Join the mission to protect Portugal’s coastal ecosystem! The ESC project "Micro-Plastics? Big Problems" invites passionate volunteers to dive into hands-on environmental work in Ria de Alvor — from microplastic sampling and citizen science to awareness campaigns and data collection. Be part of a grassroots movement blending science, education, and sustainability for a cleaner future.
💡 Activity Type
Individual volunteering (ESC)
🏢 Host Organization
A ROCHA - ASSOCIAÇÃO CRISTÃ DE ESTUDO E DEFESA DO AMBIENTE
📍 Location
Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal
📆 Period
01 September 2025 – 31 August 2026
⏳ Duration
36 weeks
📚 Fields
Marine conservation, Microplastic pollution, Science communication, Community engagement
💬 Language(s)
English is required; Portuguese is a plus but not mandatory
🎯 Eligibility criteria (Who can apply?)
Open to volunteers who are energetic, curious, and environmentally driven.
Applicants from:
🇩🇪 Germany, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇬🇱 Greenland, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇦🇹 Austria
🧪 Responsibilities / tasks
– Collect sediment samples and analyze microplastics
– Distribute environmental questionnaires
– Engage the public through citizen science
– Participate in testimonies collection (e.g., from local fishermen)
– Support community awareness and outreach events
– Collaborate with environmental and non-environmental partners
🌟 Why to join?
– Direct involvement in marine conservation
– Gain scientific fieldwork experience
– Live and work in a sustainable center with an international team
– Contribute to environmental education and public awareness
– Build community through shared meals and cultural exchange
📩 Application info
Apply by 24 August 2025 at 23:59 using the official ESC platform.
💰 Compensation
✅ Shared dorm-style accommodation at the Centre
✅ Group meals provided daily
✅ Travel expenses (up to €500 for round trip) reimbursed
✅ Pocket money allowance
✅ On-site support and optional training
🌐 Official link
https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/47199_en
