The Farewell at FAI
During the final week of the Project MARE Supporting Team, held in the stunning Sorrento Peninsula from November 5th to December 1st, the volunteers continued their collaboration with FAI at Ieranto Bay. They completed their work with the olive trees, focusing on tasks of care and restoration. Beyond the physical efforts, this experience provided a final opportunity to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and, most importantly, to strengthen the friendships cultivated while working closely with the local community. It was a week that beautifully blended nature, hard work, and meaningful connections, leaving lasting memories for everyone involved.
Cleaning the fjord of Crapolla
One of the most important activities of the week it’s been the clean up in the bay of Crapolla, located in the municipality of Massa Lubrense, is a small bay overlooking the Gulf of Naples. This paradise corner, famous for its natural beauty, is accessible via a steep trail descending from the hill, offering spectacular views along the way. Even though the beach is so beautiful, the volunteers found thousands of pieces of trash. Some of it was probably left by visitors, while other garbage had been washed up by the storms from the days before.The data gathered during the cleanup at Crapolla Beach offers an important reflection on our responsibility towards the environment. In just a few hours of work, the volunteers collected an impressive 27,280 kg of waste, a surprising amount that highlights the negative impact our daily habits can have on the planet, even in seemingly isolated and pristine places. The presence of items such as polystyrene, clothes, and even a doll, all brought in by storms or left behind by careless visitors, serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Every small act of responsibility, such as not leaving waste behind and using less plastic, can make a difference in protecting and preserving the natural beauty of our most cherished places. It’s a call to reflect on the importance of caring for the environment, not just in tourist areas, but everywhere.
Traveling through flavours
During the final days of the project, sharing cultures became a central theme for the group. The volunteers had the chance to learn the fascinating history of pizza and even tried making it themselves, thanks to their friends Raffaele and Isidoro. These two shared not just the art of pizza making, but also the flavors and sounds of the region that hosted the volunteers. With steaming pizza, lively folk music, and dancing, the group experienced the essence of Italian traditions. The cultural journey didn’t stop there. Next, they “traveled” to Tunisia with Mehdi, who treated them to delicious traditional dishes like couscous and brik (crispy pastry filled with potatoes and cheese) Then, they ventured to Pakistan, where Aqib introduced them to rich, aromatic flavors like a typical dish made of lentils and Naan (typical bread). The cultural exchange continued with a Belgian-French evening, where Aurore, Quentin, Albertina, and Anais brought the tastes of their homelands to the table. The volunteers savored a French typical pumpkin soup and Belgian specialties like frites (fried potatoes) ending the dinner with Mousse au Chocolat (Chocolate mousse) and a nice quiz to let the other participants discover about the history and culture of their countries.
Human impacts on marine ecosystem
To fully understand the impacts humans have on ecosystems and marine species, the volunteers took part in an Eco-patrols event on their last day. The event included an interesting conference about the various impacts, followed by fun demonstration activities and a group debate where everyone discussed what they had learned during the day.
The Project MARE Supporting Team: a memorable conclusion
The Project MARE Supporting Team came to a close with a beautiful celebration of nature, culture, and community. The volunteers made a lasting impact by contributing to environmental preservation while also fostering meaningful connections with each other and the local community. The cultural exchange, enriched by delicious food and vibrant traditions, allowed the group to explore the world through the flavors, stories, and customs of various countries. This final week truly embodied the spirit of European Solidarity Corps projects: working together for a better future while celebrating the diversity and beauty of the world around us.
Credits: Aqib, Aurore, Alex, Albertina, Anaïs, Georgi, Emma, Kelly, Quentin, Mehdi and Rita