Marine conservation project on a Greek island. Get involved in Europe's largest marine park on Alonissos, the easternmost island of the Sporades archipelago in the northwestern Aegean Sea. This program involves scuba diving, but you can learn on the spot. All solidarity trips in Europe here.
Marine conservation project on Alonissos Island
This marine conservation project is located in Europe's largest national marine park, around the island of Alonissos in Greece. Not only is this park home to unique flora and fauna, such as the emblematic Mediterranean seal(Monachus monachus), it also bears witness, thanks to archaeological research, to a rich history. Wrecks, ancient monasteries and churches dating back to prehistoric times, the classical period and the Byzantine Empire have all been discovered.
The aim of the Marine Park is to protect the flora and fauna of Alonnisos, to raise awareness of biodiversity protection among the local community and visitors, and to carry out research.
Protecting the coastline and seabed takes several forms
- Waste collection
- Citizen science programs in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, to collect data on marine life for further research.
- Managing plastic waste through innovative recycling practices and producing new objects.
Thanks to our partner ImpacTrip, you can join this marine conservation project. You'll use your scuba diving skills to clean up the marine environment around the beautiful island of Alonissos. If you don't know how to scuba dive, you can learn on the spot.
Waste collection, participatory science and PADI certification
This marine conservation project is located in Europe's largest national marine park, around the island of Alonissos in Greece. Much of the work takes place underwater. You will also learn or continue your diving training and obtain a PADI certificate. As a volunteer, you'll take part in various initiatives, including coastal and underwater waste collection, scientific observations and seminars on recycling plastic waste.
Examples of the daily tasks you will be entrusted with
- Collecting garbage and debris from coastal and underwater areas to help preserve marine habitats.
- Observing and recording data as part of participatory science initiatives. You'll be contributing to research into marine biodiversity.
- Helping to recycle plastic waste by promoting sustainable practices.
You'll benefit from scuba diving training. You'll take part in scuba diving training sessions and prepare for your PADI certification while exploring the underwater world around Alonissos.
If you don't know how to dive
The program is open to people who have never dived before. However, they will need to start their stay with dive training to obtain their certificate. This is an essential step towards safe participation in conservation activities. Once you've acquired some independence, usually during the second week, you can start to take part in garbage collection. If it's your first time diving and you have little or no experience, it's strongly recommended that you sign up for at least two weeks to ensure your participation in the marine conservation program. If you only stay for a week, you may not be able to take part in deep-sea diving.
If you are a certified diver
If you are already certified in scuba diving, our instructors will assess your skills so that you can begin to participate fully in the different parts of the program. You can start the program at any level of experience and obtain the next level of certification accordingly!
Dates
- 1 or 2 weeks
Rates
- 1 week: €1,870
- 2 weeks: €3,250
Included in price
- Airport pick-up on Sunday
- Housing
- Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
- Orientation on arrival: culture, volunteering, program details and safety.
- Guided tour of the city with tips on how to explore it
- Ongoing support throughout your stay (provided by ImpacTrip)
- 24/7 emergency assistance (provided by ImpacTrip)
Not included in price
- Flights
- Airport pick-up (except Sundays)
- Back to the airport
- Personal expenses
- Transport from hostel to project
- Insurance
- Private room
- From age 18
- 1 or 2 weeks
- Language: English (intermediate level)
- You don't need any previous scuba diving experience. Your program includes a certified diving course tailored to your diving skills.
- Medical certificate required
- Know how to swim
- You'll be contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems in the beautiful Greek islands of Europe's largest marine park. Like many marine ecosystems around the world, the waters around Alonissos have been affected by global warming and climate change, threatening local marine life.
- You are taking part in a participatory science project.
- You develop skills in marine conservation.
- You'll also benefit from scuba diving training.
- Discover the unique culture and natural beauty of the island of Alonissos.
Housing
You'll be staying in a traditional Greek villa, in twin-bedded rooms shared with another volunteer and with a private bathroom.
Food
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available on request.
WIFI
You have access to WIFI
Location
Alonissos is located in the northern Sporades Islands in the Aegean Sea, off the eastern coast of mainland Greece. It is Europe's largest national marine park. Here you can observe dolphins, turtles, falcons and the Mediterranean monk seal. Alonissos is a haven for nature lovers.
During your free time, you'll have time to discover the magnificent island of Alonissos. Alonissos is the easternmost island of the Sporades archipelago, in the north-western Aegean Sea. It's an island of lush vegetation and incredible waters. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers in search of a beautiful destination. Alonissos is famous for its marine park, home to many species of land and sea animals, such as the emblematic Mediterranean seal(Monachus monachus). It also boasts a large number of hiking trails and beautiful beaches.
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About the partner
ImpacTrip is a social enterprise whose mission is to support and strengthen the work of non-profit social and environmental organizations. The company was founded in 2015 by Rita and Diogo, two social entrepreneurs who wanted to change the way people travel. ImpacTrip offers travelers the chance to integrate various projects, mainly in Europe. It is B Corp certified, meaning it reconciles social and environmental objectives with profit. The B Corp community works to reduce inequality, lower poverty levels, build healthier environments and stronger communities, and create more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose. All Impactrip missions.