The Sorrento Peninsula hosts the volunteers of M.A.R.E Supporting Team project – from November 5th to December 1st –  an initiative by the European Solidarity Corps program, approved by the Italian National Agency (Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù) and coordinated by the ACARBIO association in collaboration with the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area. Thirteen young volunteers from Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Tunisia dedicate three weeks to protecting and preserving the landscape and biodiversity of the Sorrento Peninsula while supporting activities in the Bay of Ieranto. The group of volunteers is not only diverse in their cultural background but also in their studying background,some coming from fields more pertaining to the project like environmental sciences and biology, and others entirely different including mechanical manufacturing and international relations. Yet, the enthusiasm and willingness to be part of this project are all the same in each one of them, this an even more diverse and enriching experience.

 

THE FIRST WEEK

During their first week, the team of volunteers collaborated with the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) in the Bay of Ieranto by helping with the conservation and maintenance of the site, one of the most stunning and protected natural areas of the peninsula. While working with the  farmers that have worked in this  region for decades, the team started to learn both about local agricultural techniques and the rich history of the land. This bay, known for its extraordinary ecological and historical importance, is a protected area, home to unique marine flora and fauna. As the objectives of this collaboration with the FAI include preserving native vegetation and raising awareness amongst visitors to promote environmentally conscious and respectful tourism, this week the volunteers learnt about how to take care of the olive grove.

 

TWO DAYS OF CLEANING THE BAGNI REGINA GIOVANNA IN SORRENTO

Another key component of this program is cleaning beaches and  hiking trails of the region. By removing waste and plastic from public and protected areas, the volunteers help preserve these natural environments and ecosystems, reducing the environmental impact of polluting materials, and improving the experience for residents and visitors alike. With two days of cleaning in the area of Bagni Regina Giovanna in Sorrento the volunteers collected in total 5 full bags of different types of trash, from the plastic bottles, cigarette butts, to wheel tyres and electric cables. The volunteers collected around 20 kilos of rubbish, sending a message is to take care of the planet where we live, for the future generations but also for ourselves and all the inhabitants, including plants and animals., Even the smallest actions are important. 

 

MANUAL WORK AND RESEARCH

The volunteers combined manual work with research by assisting the Marine Protected Area’s effort to monitor marine environmental quality, while promoting awareness of its ecological importance. As such, they analysed and catalogued samples of Posidonia oceanica, a marine plant vital to the health of the local ecosystem. This exercise contributes to the local research efforts to get extensive data and improve our knowledge of this vital yet under-researched plant.

Through their dedication and teamwork, the volunteers play a crucial role in conserving the Sorrento Peninsula’s natural heritage, combining passion and skills for a more sustainable future. 

 

 

Credits: Aqib, Aurore, Alex, Albertina, Anaïs, Georgi, Emma, Kelly, Quentin, Mehdi and Rita