Support a project to protect the pond turtle Emys orbicularis in Catalonia.
Founded in 2003, the Emys Foundation in Catalonia is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of nature, particularly wetlands and the pond turtle Emys orbicularis.
Emys orbicularis is a native pond turtle to Catalonia, North Africa and most of Europe. In 1987, a group of young people discovered that there was an endangered pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, in the region around Lake Sils in Catalonia. They decided to do something to help this species and began making agreements with local area owners to protect ponds, streams and lakes.
In August, our colleagues from COCAT are organizing an international camp with the foundation for the 4th time.
When?
3rd-17th August 2024
What is the camp about?
In this camp you will help protect the turtle's habitat. The Emys orbicularis is still endangered due to habitat destruction, exotic species and water pollution. The Selva region has the best-preserved population in Catalonia, with more than 500 animals.
Lake Sils is a nature reserve included in the Plan of Natural Areas (PEIN) of Catalonia. It is part of the European network of natural areas Natura 2000, which forms the core of European biodiversity policy. Due to the special moisture and flood conditions, some animal and plant species typical of wetlands are still preserved in this area. Therefore, restoration of this area is now underway to make it a biodiversity reserve for fauna and flora and an important resting, feeding and shelter point for a wide variety of birds and other animals.
Last summer, the third international camp was held at Lake Sils to restore the water surface and restore the adjacent areas and infrastructure. However, many tasks still remained to be completed. This year's camp will continue the work begun and focus on the tasks that remain outstanding.
Sign up now!
We still have a few open spots for volunteers from Germany, so sign up here to be a part of this camp.
Lukas will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this camp in Catalonia and other camps abroad:
Email: outgoing@ibg-workcamps.org
Telephone: +49 6022 279 38 51