Italy Ecotourism

Italy’s expansive coastline and mild mainland environment play host to thousands of visitors annually. Tourists and locals alike are able to play a role in preserving the environment that has made Italy such a popular travel destination. Taking advantage of opportunities to work with wildlife and restore local habitats can be a great way to experience Italian culture at its best.

Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP), 129-1271 Howe St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z 1R3, Canada (☎+1-604-628-7400; www.cadip.org). Offers over 100 2- to 3-week projects in Italy with an emphasis on environmental and historical preservation. Room and board provided by the program. Most projects 18+. US$285; some projects have extra fees.
Ecovolunteer: Common Dolphin Research, CTS-Centro Turistico Studentesco e Giovanile, Dept. Ambiente, V. Albalonga 3, 00183 Rome (☎06 64 96 03 27; www.ecovolunteer.org). Volunteers in the Gulf of Naples live on a research boat while tracking dolphins and other marine mammals. 1-week programs June-Oct. 18+. Program fee €750-850 per week. Student discounts available.
Greenwood Cooperation Society (Società Cooperativa Greenwood), V. Pozzillo 21, 87045 Dipignano (☎0984 44 55 26; www.scgreenwood.it). Conducts research in National Park of Calabria and encourages ecotourism. Volunteers help with ecological studies, like studying and tracking wolves with GPS devices and topographic maps. Check website for current studies. €350 covers food, camping, and research supplies.
Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli (LIPU), LIPU Sede Nazionale, V. Trento 49, 43100 Parma (☎05 21 27 30 43; www.lipu.it/tu_voluntario.htm). Volunteers at this bird sanctuary nurse injured animals back to health and help with grounds maintenance.
Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, V. Roma s.n.c., 67030 Villetta Barrea, AQ (☎08 64 89 102; www.parcoabruzzo.it). Hosts over 100 summer volunteers for 1-3 weeks. Responsibilities range from park maintenance to visitor assistance. 18+. Program fee 1 week €110, 2 weeks €170, 3 weeks €230.
World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF Italia), V. Casavecchia 109, 57022 Castagneto Carducci, Livorno (www.wwoof.it). Provides a list of organic farms that introduce volunteers to tasks like harvesting olives, grapes, and even bamboo. Knowledge of farming not necessary, although volunteers should be physically capable and willing to work hard. Required €25 membership fee.