ECO-VOLUNTEER…

Valuable help to the environment comes from the generosity of individuals who clean up other people's mess without payment … as my friends from the Red Cross in the picture show. They are however, rewarded with a very decent meal at the end of the normal 5-hour day and a personal satisfaction of having done something worthwhile.

Eco-vive is organising two clean-up holidays for Fuerteventura and Boa Vista…why? Because these are like sister islands and part of this adventure is finding that out.

So will you join us on a fun, ecologically based holiday in which we ask you for 5 hours help in return for your accommodation and food in Fuerteventura and a special beach camp of ours in 2007 in Boa Vista.

The programme in Fuerteventura is different from that of Boa Vista for one fundamental reason in that, ‘Fuerte’ is 30-40 years on in the tourism industry and Boa Vista only just beginning, so the latter is much more of a wild paradise for chill-out seekers and eco-freaks, with turtles and astonishing beaches.

Our group in ‘Fuerte’ is a truly international bunch that gets on brilliantly and shares the load as real pals…the Red Cross sees that there is transport, food & drink and the local authority provides the big paella or a barbeque.

The programmes begin in Nov/Dec 2006 for 14 days and then again in Jan/Feb 2007 for Fuerteventura where accommodation is being provided with meals and transport at the well known educational facility of the Albergue de Tefia, catering for a group of up to 20 persons of age 18-60+.
THE COSTS OF AIR FARES ARE NOT INCLUDED AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS ARE €20.00 (Euros) pick-up/drop-off per person.

In Boa Vista, this will be a spring and autumn event with dates being published on this site from Jan 2007. This will be at our special beach camp and will include all your basic needs at €225.00 (Euros) per person for the 14 days. The group is limited to 16 persons with 8 working days out of the 14. Ages 18-60+. But only sensible dedicated people please as the programme is conditional. The local council will appreciate this help…they are hopelessly under funded and any First Aid items will be gladly received for the local clinic.
THE COSTS OF AIRFARES ARE NOT INCLUDED, BUT AIRPORT TRANSFERS ARE…

Boa Vista underwater has a vibrant marine life for you to enjoy during your stay…see more pictures in Galleries…and we look forward to your help.

Conditions: Generally…applicants should understand that this is an agreement to carry out basically a simple task which does not require excessive lifting or outrageously long days. It is further understood that 5 hours daily from departure to return is being asked for 10 of the 14 days (Fuerteventura) and 8 of the 14 days(Boa Vista). Departure is 09.30am.

The project in Fuerteventura will be part sponsored by local government and private individuals locally to lend support to the valuable work against the impacts of many activities on the environment. Thus only seriously minded applicants should participate and any ‘free loaders will find the agreement terminated and accommodations off limits.

There will be a bunking room of some 20 bunks available exclusively for the group and other facilities of showers/toilets and catering are all included with the meals of breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal.  Secluding the bunk room for mixed male/female is accounted for.

The room will be provided with DVD TV and Music. Your Host will be available from morning till evening and there will also be 2 Environment presentations, to illustrate the impacts of waste and the relationship with Boa Vista. There is no formal bar due to the high use by school children of the main areas in summer, but arrangements can be made to overcome this issue.

In Boa Vista, the terms of engagement equally comply except that here you will be paying a kitty fund towards all your food and beverages (No alcohol included). This will cover also the daily transport of the beach cleans and the provision of lunches and adequate water/soft drinks.

The accommodation is a beach camp with plenty of shade and basic wash/toilet facilities. As this is the original beach holiday environment it will require such minded people to apply and not those un-willing or un-accustomed to the daily basic-ness of this environment. However, the island is a marvellous visual sight of textures, colours, and astonishingly beautiful beaches, with a rich marine life which can be enjoyed through snorkelling or scuba diving. And don’t forget the turtles too.

The kitty fund covers from the second night through to the last but one. The evening meal will be arranged at a local restaurant for arrival and the last night is done Boa Vistan style with a party format and a meal organized within the group.

Travel and clothing: For Fuerteventura it is easy enough to get flights to the island from all over Europe and the dates for the working parties will be the last 2 weeks of Jan & first 2 weeks of Feb 2007. There is also  a 2week date at end of November 2006  with an option for a 7 days sojourn.

Clothing should be easy to manage T-shirts or loose cotton shirts with shorts and tough shoes (feet must be protected). The evenings can be fresh so longs on legs arms and a jacket is advised. Please bring adequate toiletries and sun protection which includes a sun hat. Please inform if vegetarian.

For Boa Vista in May/June the weather is well warm! Its beach life but tough shoes and sun protection are essentials along with a good sun hat. Loose clothing overall (not tight shorts or trousers) and the list of extras is a little longer than that for Fuerteventura. All your toiletries with after sun care/body lotion and personal preferences for gum, sweets, batteries (AA size are essential for the hand lamp and cameras etc) Film for cameras or a chip at least 128Mb. Sun glasses and a small rucksack for taking all your daily “junk” in. Sleeping is ground level with suggested air mattresses and light weight sleeping sack.

Dates are not forwardable as yet and flights are available to Sal Airport with a connection to Boa Vista from either Amsterdam or Munich. Its perhaps a long way round but it is a long way off the really beaten track. Lisbon is another departure point. Costs are not cheap and connections MUST be booked at same time through to Boa Vista(Sal Rei Airport) Meanwhile also look for the new flights  coming up in 2007 on the internet. All in all it is a journey worth making for the pure beauty of the island.

The programme is scheduled however, for May/June & Sept/Oct 2007. All enquiries well in advance please -- GO FOR IT, It’s wild and fabulous.

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