Description:
Learn new skills, meet like-minded people, do something positive!- but above all, help this NGO & non-profit organisation in its efforts to save a unique & endangered colony of Griffon Vultures and help preserve this wonderful, untouched corner of Croatia and its unique biodiversity.
"There is no such thing as an average volunteer day, depending on the time of year, you could be dry stone walling, cleaning ponds, clearing beaches, controlling invasive species, marking eco-trails, monitoring or helping to treat the Griffon Vultures, herding sheep, picking Olives, maintaining the volunteer centre, showing tourists around the exhibition, making souvenirs, cooking dinner, or everybody's favourite cleaning duty!"
"If it all sounds like hard work, don't panic, most days you have free time to do as you please, be it walking the trails, birdwatching, studying the unique nature, sunbathing on one of the 4 local beaches, touring the Island by boat, car, or on foot, or simply relaxing and watching the world go by. (The world usually consists of sheep and the occasional tourist!)"
Of course one of the best parts of volunteering is meeting other like-minded people. All ages, nationalities visit the Eko-Centar and it makes for some lively dinner table discussions and some great food experiences!
In return for a small fee and for working 5-6 hours a day you will receive food and board, boat excursions, guided walks and canyoning in the mountains and forests of Tramontana read our feedback articles now! Here is one such article.
"I will never forget my time in Beli, and will never have to say goodbye because I know I will return. It is a magical place. It filled my spirit with positive energy, right to the brim!
At the Ecocentre there was a good mix of tasks to be done, I really felt like I was helping "the cause". Feeding the animals (this includes the humans!), scientific observation of the griffons at their nesting sites, olive picking, educating visitors...just a few of the things I was involved in. Of course I got an education myself and was taken on guided local nature/art/history walk, boat trip and car trip of the island. Steve and staff from Eco-centre were always on hand and plenty of friendships began. It is a peaceful place to live with lots of amazing walking, everyday if you like. The warm-heartedness of the people and beauty of the surroundings cannot be put into words, you must go feel it, see it, hear it, smell it and taste it for yourself.
One note, the less expectations you have, the more you will get from your stay. Try to free yourself from the need to schedule your day and just let it happen. Enjoy!"
Claire Winzar-4 weeks Sept/Oct 2007
"Volunteering at ECCIB is an experience you will not forget in a hurry. Tramuntana is full of surprises; deserted villages; caves, Roman Ruins, Ponds, Labyrinths, ancient chestnut trees, and enough Flora and Fauna to shake a stick at."
Kirsty Mayers Maldon Essex Long-term volunteer 2004 & 2005
"As soon as I stepped on the island of Cres I felt a very strong feeling...I felt there is something very special about this island. Not easy to put this feeling in words... a little bit like falling in love I guess... I felt full of energy.... I intended to stay one week but I ended staying for a month...As a biologist I enjoyed every moment of my stay there. Birds, insects, reptiles, fungi... such diversity"
Slaven Kljucanin-Ecologist Croatia 2006
"I first wanted to stay one month, but it was not possible for me to go away from this place. So at the end I stayed 2 months. It was never boring (you should love nature and silence) and there are still so many things to discover and things I did not do on the island, that I must go back soon."
Anne Straub-Germany Sept/October 2006
"Visiting the enchanting island of Cres has been one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of my life. I found tranquility and inspiration walking the many eco-trails through the ancient forests; a sense of perspective and peacefulness not easily found in today's hectic world. When walking these routes, stumbling upon ancient bridges, abandoned dwellings, and pagan shrines, it is as if you are transported to another era a place where time stands still. The island also has some beautiful beaches with the clearest blue water I have ever seen. And when and the peace and tranquility gets too much, I recommend a 'B52' or 'Medica' in the local bar and soak up the atmosphere whilst sitting outside under the stars! To gain an authentic experience of the island I would definately recommend volunteering at the 'Eko-centar'. This way you really do get to know the locality and feel part of it. I was lucky enough to be there for five weeks and in that time I got to to experience the joys of sheep herding with the local shepherds, digging ponds, maintaining the eko-trails, helping injured vultures and much much more. It was great to be somewhere with such a community feel and I met some fantastic people and made some great friends."
Sarah Holiday-Eco-volunteer (5 weeks) from York, United Kingdom, 2005
Highlights:
Depending on the time of year-this project provides you with the opportunity to join the researchers in their effort with studying and protecting of the endangered 'Griffon Vultures' on the Island of Cres.
Whilst volunteering, you will usually be given a tour of the island and the 'Vulture-restaurants', you could find yourself conducting many different tasks such as repairing damaged dry-stone walls, helping injured Griffon Vultures, preparing food for the vultures, herding sheep, picking olives, clearing the vital local ponds or guiding visitors around the exhibitions.
Other highlights include lovely weather, beautiful scenery, warm, clear blue seas, great people, fun atmosphere, interesting work, wholesome food and a great mixture of cultures, ideals and recipies from around the world!
ECCIB also provides a base for the various individuals or groups from institutions Europe-wide who come to conduct various biological and geological studies of these unique islands. The varied make-up of the Eko-centar community therefore stimulates a truly international exchange of ideologies and practices, not to mention some great food recipies!
You are required to work a few hours each day, in exchange, accommodation is provided and there is a small daily charge for food. Facilities are sound with male and female dormitary style rooms and good washing facilities.
The cost of your placement is dependent on duration of stay and on top of this there is only a nominal fee to cover food. Having worked there as a volunteer for over 6 months, I (webmaster) have an excellent knowledge of the organisation, and can provide you with specific information and generic contacts if you e-mail me your questions, or if you wish to book a placement.
The centre also cares for sick and injured vultures and there are currently some birds in the sanctuary which are permanent residents due to the nature of their arrival here. ECCIB also plays an important and diverse role in the daily life of Beli, and the people and nature of this group of islands.
Through its educational tours and international volunteer programme ECCIB has become a valuable resource in protecting, studying, cataloging and preserving the unique local biodiversity, of which more new species are being discovered every year.
Since its birth, ECCIB has already set-up 2 ornithological reserves on the island of Cres which are strictly protected by law for their natural beauty, species content, and scientific interest.
If you don't have the time spare to volunteer, you can support ECCIB simply by purchasing a book or souvenir during your tour of the Eko-centar. Many of the items for sale are kindly produced by the volunteers. You could also take part in the 'Griffon Sponsorship Programme.'
From my personal experiences whilst volunteering, I highly recommend the experience. All you need is an open mind and be willing to pitch in! Digs and food are cheap, tasks are varying-dependent on time of your visit and it's a great way to meet like-minded people and discover the local area and culture. You can stay a minimum 7 days at the centar . There are no particular skills required-just a flexible attitude and willingness to help. Apply early though as places are sought after all year round!
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
None necessary, however, if you posess a certain skill you feel may be of use to us or you wish to make a specific study, then please let us know.
Travel Types:
BackPacking,
Birdwatching,
Ecology,
Environmental Studies,
Geology,
Heritage Tourism,
Nature Tours,
Trekking
and Volunteering
Languages:
Croatian
and English
Cost in US$: Dependent on duration
Cost Includes:
Excursions,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training
and In-country staff support
Accommodation, food, all excursions and project activities etc. (not activity or travel insurance, or travel to and from Cres town. Transport from Cres town to the project is provided.
Your agency fee to 'Essential Croatia' is also included in this price.
We will provide all the necessary travel info and answer any pre-placement questions you may have. You also benefit from our extensive in-country and local knowledge and of our considerable experience from volunteering on this project.
Cost examples:
- 1 week placement including accommodation, ECCIB excursions and food in Low-season (before 31/05 at GBP 172.00
- 2 weeks at GBP 218.00 & 3 weeks at GBP 290.00 etc
'High-Season' prices apply after 31/05 until 31/09, please enquire for details.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
agriculture,
animal welfare,
biological research,
building maintenance,
conservation,
cooking,
culture,
cutting wood,
digging,
eco-tourism,
fixing fences,
food,
gardening,
historic preservation,
income-generation,
natural resources,
planting,
population issues,
recreation,
renovation,
repairs,
research,
restoration,
trail building,
veterinary,
volunteer management,
volunteering,
water
and wildlife surveying
Typical Volunteer: Must be willing to contribute, be flexible, enthusiastic, have a fairly open-mind and perform various tasks from guiding people around the educational exhibitions to treating injured birds, learning new skills like, dry-stone-walling, sheep herding, picking the olive harvest, Vulture observation activities etc. Emphasis is on hard-work and fun and being able to work as an individual or as part of a team.
Age Range: 17- no upper limit
This Program is open to
American,
Australian,
Canadian,
European,
Kiwi,
South African
and World Wide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Group living
Participants Travel to Croatia
Independently
Typically Participants Work
in Groups of 2-10
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 10 days
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Job and Internship Network
Essential Croatia's Mission Statement: Essential Croatia volunteer recruitment agency was created to raise awareness in the international community of the 'Eko-Centar Caput Insulae Beli' (ECCIB)- a non-governmental, non-profit organisation which protects a rare and endangered colony of vultures which, unusually, nests on the sea cliffs and ledges of Cres Island. Using local knowledge and personal experiences our aim is to offer you quality, impartial advice in getting to the Kvarner Islands and to provide comprehensive pre-placement information to ensure you a fulfilling and enjoyable volunteering experience. Our second aim is to encourage generic, activity-based tourism to promote and protect the nature and beauty of these islands.
Year Founded: 2003