Help restore a traditional dovecote and discover the wonders of the Douro Valley.
|
Located in Uva (Vimioso) in north-east Portugal, close to the Douro River and bordering Spain, it is commonly known as the Miranda Plateau. Although a very small village with just a handful of inhabitants, it is home to over 30 traditional pigeon lofts and other priceless heritage features - both built and natural.
The workcamps will take place in the Nordeste Transmontano region, in particular in the municipalities of Vimioso and Miranda do Douro.
The population of the Transmontano Nordeste region has faced additional difficulties compared to other regions close to central government, such as access to education, jobs, basic services like health and culture. These factors have led to migration, with the result that the working population has abandoned the region. With the predominance of an ageing population, we can see the consequences of this territorial abandonment, both in terms of the environment and the built heritage. This is reflected in the loss of knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials, which are used sustainably in this type of construction. The lack of financial resources and external support for concerted, integrated intervention in this field complicates actions aimed at preserving this rich heritage.
On the other hand, the area has a rich natural, cultural and material heritage, important elements to be enhanced and disseminated when promoting sustainable development, both in the local and national context. The landscape is characterized by the agro-pastoral system and incorporates areas of Community conservation importance, with the presence of numerous habitats and species of priority conservation concern. In environmental terms, the rural and mountainous areas possess a rich heritage of landscape, architecture and practical knowledge.
Workcamps will take place in the Douro International Natural Park and the special protection areas of the Natura 2000 network.
|
This will be a special moment: we will be restoring the last dovecote requiring intervention in the village of Uva, after more than 20 years of work by the Association. The aim of these volunteer actions is to demonstrate the association's day-to-day intervention practices, in areas such as ecosystem restoration.
Species such as the wild rabbit, the red-legged partridge and several species such as Bonelli's eagle, can have favorable conditions for survival. In this way, volunteers can share learning moments with the Palombar team, made up of technical experts from various fields such as biology, veterinary, mechanics, tourism, education, among others. In this way, taking part in concrete actions enables us to come into contact with this reality, by intervening directly in the field, with the needs and problems and urgent and current issues, such as nature conservation, the basis of the population's well-being.
The young people will always be accompanied by technical experts in this field, during working hours, but whenever necessary, there will always be someone available for any needs.
|
Group living and accommodation
|
Accommodation will be in the Uva parish council hall with two shared bathrooms. Dormitories are mixed.
One member of the Palombar team will always be responsible for meal planning and preparation, with the help of two volunteers per day. The volunteers responsible for meal preparation will not participate in the work activity. These two volunteers will help prepare lunch and dinner. Breakfast is the responsibility of the individual, always accompanied by a member of the association.
Meals are served in a covered outdoor area between the dormitory and the kitchen.
|
Leisure and other activities
|
During the afternoon, leisure activities are organized at least 3 days a week. Leisure activities are designed to enable volunteers to discover the region's natural heritage and culture, and to integrate participants into the local community. Activities are always accompanied by a member of the association. The program of leisure activities is presented at the start of the workcamp.
|
No specific skills are required to take part.
In the days following your pre-registration, the International Relations Department will contact you by e-mail to arrange a telephone conversation.
This will enable us to get to know you better and give you more details about the workcamp (organization, arrival arrangements, etc.).
You can ask us any questions you may have, and let us know what you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
You will then receive a roadmap summarizing all useful information about the site.
Meet us on July 7 in the afternoon at the Vimioso bus stop, where the association will be on hand to welcome you.
By air:
To: Lisbon or Porto
By bus to
From: Porto
To: Vimioso
|
|
French-English Glossary
