The team of volunteers kept collaborating with the FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) in the Bay of Ieranto by helping the farmers with the conservation and maintenance of the site. This made a strong connection between locals and young people from all Europe, creating a good connection with local people is one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering. While working the volunteers not only helped care for the site but also got to know the locals. These relationships made the experience even more special. The locals shared old stories and traditions about the bay, giving the volunteers a chance to learn about its history and cultural importance. This exchange brought people together, building a bridge between different cultures and generations. The volunteers learned from the wisdom of those who know the area best, while the locals saw their stories and traditions appreciated by young people from across Europe. All this shows that protecting a place is not just about caring for the land but also about valuing the people and stories that make it unique. It’s a way to work together and build a shared love for the bay and its future.

 

Taking care of nature 

So the volunteers of Project M.A.R.E Supporting Team during this period did also another important activity, renovating the garden of the house, it was a meaningful experience for the volunteers. It wasn’t just about working outside; it was about creating something lasting for future volunteers. The garden will provide a place to grow fruits and vegetables, giving them fresh, healthy food that they cultivate themselves. This activity taught the volunteers the value of teamwork and taking care of nature. They learned how much effort and care it takes to grow plants, connecting them to the environment in a real and personal way. Taking care of the garden also reflects the project’s values of sustainability and protecting biodiversity. Every plant they grow shows how small actions can make a big difference over time.

The Posidonia Oceanica

A very important activity they made was studying and monitoring one of the most important sea plants, the Posidonia Oceanica. Studying and monitoring the Posidonia Oceanica is a very important activity because this sea plant plays a key role in the health of the marine environment. By checking its growth over the years, the volunteers can learn how the plant is affected by different factors like climate change, rising temperatures, and pollution. Posidonia Oceanica  produces oxygen, provides shelter for many marine animals, and helps prevent erosion of the seabed. This activity helps scientists and conservationists understand how the environment is changing and what needs to be done to protect it. By keeping track of how Posidonia grows year by year, the volunteers are contributing to important research that can help save this vital plant and the underwater world it supports.

 

 

Cleaning up beaches

For our volunteers, taking care of the environment also means cleaning up beaches. During the second week, we went to Bagni Regina Giovanna in Sorrento for a beach cleanup session divided into two days. In total we collected 6 full bags of different types of trash, from the most common cigarette butts and plastic bottles to tires and electrical cables. This activity is simple but very important. By picking up trash, the volunteers help keep the beach clean and safe for both people and marine animals. It prevents plastic and other waste from polluting the sea, where it could harm fish, turtles, and other wildlife. Beach cleanups also show how small actions can make a big difference. They remind everyone who sees the volunteers working that we all have a role to play in protecting the environment. It’s not just about making the beach look nicer, it’s about taking care of nature for the future. 

 

Snorkeling and observing the underwater

The M.A.R.E. project is not just about work, it’s also about fun and building deep connections. During the second week, the volunteers had the opportunity to go snorkeling and observe the underwater world in all its beauty. They were able to explore the clear waters of Ieranto Bay and see the marine life with its different species, which gave them a new appreciation for the sea and its importance. In addition to the work, the volunteers also celebrated birthdays with a small surprise party organized by the group. It was a moment to relax and enjoy each other’s company, strengthening the friendships they had formed. The surprise party added a special touch, making everyone feel valued and connected to each other. It was a reminder that, while working for a good cause, it’s also important to celebrate life and create happy memories together.

 

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