Protect and Restore Nature in Switzerland!

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February 12, 2025


Join the Foundation Pro Terra in Protecting and Restoring Nature! 

 

Country: Switzerland 

Date: 27th July – 9th August 2025 

Number of volunteers: 15 

Age: 18 and over 

Project Code: CH-SCI 10.3 

 

About the project: 

The Foundation Pro Terra Engiadina (PTE) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural landscapes of the Engadin Valley, alongside promoting biodiversity. The foundation is supported by the municipalities of Lower Engadin, environmental NGOs, the Swiss National Park, the regional tourism board, sections of the Cantonal administration, and the Cantonal School for Farmers. 

 

Type of work: 

During your stay, you will focus on the maintenance and promotion of biodiversity in dry meadows, peatlands or community gardens. Tasks will include: 

  • Clearing shrubbery from dry meadows, and peatlands 
  • Collecting stones to build cairns or dry stone walls 
  • Maintaining water streams 
  • Assisting in community or school gardens 
  • Participating in a litter collection project along the main rive in Engadin 

 

In addition to the hands-on tasks, you will have the opportunity to take part in environmental education events. An expert will provide insights into the region’s history, ecology, and alpine farming practices, while you help protect vital habitats for endangered species and contribute to preserving this unique cultural landscape. 

 

Accommodation: 

Volunteers will stay in a shared house with other participants (bring sleeping bag, fitted sheet and pillowcase). Pillows and blankets provided.  

 

Volunteer requirements: 

You must bring good quality waterproof mountain or trekking shoes/boots. Please note that the work can be physically demanding. 

 

No application deadline, open until all spaces are filled. 

 

More info and how to apply 

This project is part of VSI’s International Volunteer Projects (IVP) programme, a unique form of values-based volunteering that brings together people from around the world to work on short-term projects with local communities. More info on the programme here.     

 

1. Apply online on the SCI international website   

Please note: When you click on the links below you will leave the VSI website and go to the website of Service Civil International (SCI) VSI is the Irish branch of SCI.  

 

Application is through our international online placement system. You need to register on the website to apply: How to Apply   

View this project on our international database here: Protect and Restore Nature with Pro Terra Engiadina CH-SCI 10.3  

View other available projects on the: SCI database   

 

The projects listed on the database are managed by SCI branches and partners across Europe, the project titles and descriptions are generally written by non-native English speakers, so please excuse us if some of them are hard-to-understand or use unusual language! The database serves over 130 organisations in more than 90 countries worldwide! 

 

2. Pay the project fee - return to this page and follow the links below   

VSI is a small charity and we charge a fee (€55 - €155) to volunteer on our projects, this includes food, accommodation, basic insurance whilst on the project and VSI annual membership. Volunteers pay for their own travel to the country and internal travel to/from the projects and any visa fees.  More info here.  

 

Please note, some of the descriptions mention an additional fee (of €50.00) when applying through non-SCI organisations, VSI is an SCI branch and this additional fee does not apply.  

 

No fundraising is needed to volunteer on our projects.    

 

Fees  

Project in Europe: 

European Project Waged €155 

European Project Unwaged €105 

Click here to pay the project fee 

 

If you have any questions or would like more info on a project, please contact us at info@vsi.ie