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EST 22 ELF MINI CAMP MANIJA ISLAND 29.07 – 01.08 ENVI 7 vols

 

Project 

The aim of this camp organised in cooperation with the Estonian Fund of Nature (ELF) is fine-tuning of habitat for endangered amphibian Naterjack Toad in Manija Island in South-West Estonia. 

ELF’s conservation work camps project, which is carried out from 1998, has two main goals. One is to carry out conservation work in nature parks and protected areas and second is to bring people closer to nature, to promote environment-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. International conservation work camps are important part of ELF’s conservation holidays project. In international work camps ELF always involves local people to work alongside participants from other countries. The benefits in understanding, education and shared cultures can be great and the experience remembered by all. Also, this kind of conservation works helps to raise awareness of local people about values of local nature and importance of centuries old traditional land management. 

Manija island is a small rocky islet in the Bay of Parnu, is one of the smallest inhabited islets in Europe. Manija is only 4.5 km in length and 0.5 km in width. Manija island has its unique traditional culture, which is included in the UNESCO list of world heritages. The entire island is covered by Manija landscape protection area, established in 1991, and is one of its kind because human activities is not be restricted there but vice versa encouraged by supporting local cattle-breeding so that local cultural heritage landscapes would recover and endure. The island's nature is special thanks to the growth of rare plants, coastal meadows filled with the singing of coastal birds, and the loud sound of natterjack toads. The four erratic boulders on the island are also spectacular objects of the ancient nature. 

Work 

Amphibians are one of the most threatened group of species globally, as 1⁄3 of all known frogs, toads and newts face extinction. Estonia has lost one toad and several other species are declining in a pace not natural. This project aims on fine tuning of natterjack toad habitats. The work will take place on a coastal meadow of Manija. Practically it consists of cutting and collecting of reed or brushwood around a small pool where natterjacks spawn, or making hay on coastal meadows. Nattejacks are typical for opened landscape and pools they spond in need to be exposed to sun. A perfect coastal meadow has low grass and should be without of tall plants, reed, trees and bushes. 

Typical working hours per day 6 hours per day (for example: 9 -12 & 13-16). 

Accommodation 

Simple shared accommodation in beds in Riida Guest House. You may take a tent, if you wish to have more privacy. In that case you will also need your sleeping bag and a mattress. All food is included except lunch on day for traveling. The food will be cooked for us by locals. 

Location and other information 

About Manija https://www.visitestonia.com/en/manija-landscape-protection-area-and-island-centre 

ELF conservation holidays - http://talgud.ee 

Natterjack Toad - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natterjack_toad 

Estonian nature - http://www.estonica.org/en/Nature/ 

Terminal 

Airport, bus station in Tallinn; bus to Parnu. Pick-up time is on 29.07 midday/ afternoon depending on your arrival time to Estonia and Parnu Bus Station. The journey from Tallinn takes about two hours and costs about 6 Euros. The drop off will be on01.08 midday in Parnu. 

Special requirements 

You have to bring working clothes, warm clothes as nights can be rather chilly, wet weather clothing, closed boots or/and wellingtons, sleeping bag, swimwear, towel, inspect spray. Necessary tools and cloves provided by ELF. 

Leisure time 

There will be some time off which will be spent on traveling/ exploring the Manija Island Centre/ Museum, nearby towns on mainland and places of interest. In the evenings of the working days - sauna, campfires, hiking, etc. will be organized. 

Participation fee 

You are kindly asked to contribute 50 Euro towards cost of board, lodging, programme, administration and for nature! This fee has to be paid by volunteers either by bank transfer before the beginning of the camp or to host upon arrival to the camp.