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East Iceland - taking care of nature | WF138 | 2020-09-23 - 2020-10-03 | ENVI,EDU | Age: 18 - 70

Nota Importante por COVID-19: 
Actualmente, la autoridad migratoria de Islandia, exige la realización de la prueba para detectar contagio por COVID19, ésta tendrá un costo de ISK 15,000 (aproximadamente 100 euros) que el voluntario debe cubrir, al llegar al país, así como, considerar que los resultados serán comunicados 24hrs. después de la misma, si el resultado es positivo, se deberá permanecer 14 días en cuarentena obligatoria.
Para conocer más sobre estas medidas se recomienda revisar constantemente la Guía del Viajero de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (https://guiadelviajero.sre.gob.mx/).  
Esta información es sujeta a cambios y es externa a Vive México.

“Fjarðabyggð" is an association of villages in the Eastern fjords of Iceland. It includes the towns of Eskifjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Mjóifjörður, Neskaupstaður, Reyðarfjörður, Breiðdalsvík and Stöðvarfjörður, all tiny fishing villages with steep mountains towering just behind the houses. In this area you will see some of the features that make Iceland a unique place in the world: spectacular fjords with a rich sea life, a great variety of birdlife and countless breathtaking hiking paths. You will explore the area during your stay in the east.

Work: Volunteers will 5 hours of environmental work during weekdays for example cleaning the coastline and rivers, planting trees and flowers, taking down old fences, removing lupines or other plants and fixing hiking paths. The work depends in the need of the local community. We also have the option to do a little bit of renovation in the house or taking care of the garden if needed. For two hours a day from Monday to Thursday we will give a special focus on global warming and the volunteers will have workshops about climate changes. The issue of global warming is well known all over the world. The humanity must act in a more environmentally friendly way. The main goal of this project is to improve the environmental education and consciousness of the projects’ participants. Within the project we will learn about green energy, sustainable house-holding, waste treatment, nutrition, the effects of consumption and lots more. If you want to change something, develop solutions or inspire others, you have to understand the issues and tasks first. In addition to the theoretical part we are going to practice sustainable work. For example, planting trees is one of the main exercises of the camps. Planting trees becomes a very useful action against climate change because trees absorb carbon dioxide, clean the air and prevent erosions. Take part in this promising project and spring into action against climate change! Our work will also depend on weather conditions, which is why we must be flexible. You should be prepared for unfriendly weather, but hopefully, the weather will be nice most of the time. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges. Working hours are about 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Accomodation and food: Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying in the WF house in Stodvarfjordur. They will share apartment with four bedrooms, big living room fully equipped kitchens, showers and toilets. Beds are provided; however, volunteers should bring their own warm sleeping bags or borrow one from WF if they don’t want to bring it. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge. Food is included for the duration of the workcamp, however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favourite recipes from home! Please keep in mind that there is another apartment in the house as well on the second floor that is also used for international volunteers.

Location: Scoured by Ice Age glaciers, the dramatic east coast boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks which contrast with inland fertile farmlands. Natural harbors depict postcard-like fishing villages and seemingly never-ending roads cross the region, providing beautiful views.

Location and Leisure: The area in the east is also good for hiking, so please bring your hiking shoes. There is a free entrance to the local swimming pool from the middle of June until the middle of September. WF Iceland will organise reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents or even icebergs. We will also concentrate on intercultural learning and exchange. Every evening, volunteers from different countries will be in charge of presenting their country of origin and culture in an informal way. It can be a presentation, a game, theatre – the form of introduction is up to you! Therefore, we encourage you to bring along some food, photos or anything interesting related to your country for a fun and informative evening amongst other volunteers. This workcamp gives you the opportunity to spend an amazing time in Iceland with other international volunteers and to have an incredible experience where participants share their knowledge with each other while exploring creativity, environmental issues and intercultural learning.

Train/Bus station:

Requirements: No requirements

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 450 EUR

There is an extra participation fee of 450 euros for this workcamp. The fee includes the trip from Reykjavik to Stodvarfjordur and back again which is almost 1,400 km in total and takes 2 full days (the first day of the camp and the last one). On the way to the camp, we will drive through the south to the east of the island. After the camp, we will drive through the north and west to Reykjavik (if road conditions are favourable). This trip includes several stops where you will discover unique Icelandic sights, such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, lava fields, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents or even icebergs.