10-25/07.  RENO/ENVI 15 VOLs  18-28

Description of the project: Subotica is a town on the edge of Suboticka sands, a part of great Hortobadi sands, and positioned like that it suffers constant sand gusts brought by northern winds which exert extremely negative influence on population’s health. Forests, a natural habitat in this region, are the most important factor of Europe`s climate and biological stability. Given the fact that we need to plant many more trees in our surrounding than we have today, to be able to claim that we live in sustainable environment, planting must start now and massively. Young people should contribute especially, for the future belongs to them.

Alienation of youngsters is, according to statistics, the main problem in Serbia. The only way to solve this problem is to bring them and youngsters from abroad together, encourage their mutual work, creation, fun and education. Furthermore, travels abroad in youth network would be beneficial as well, after they have made acquaintances. Our target is to organize international youth camp of age between 18 and 28, consisted of 12-15 of them, who will make acquaintances, get to know different cultures, Subotica, Palic and surroundings, and actively participate in Suboticka sands afforesting.

Work: Participation in production of quality planting material in order to afforest and “tame” the sand. Volunteers will contribute to sands afforesting through: working education in hothouse (watering, mowing, seedling pulling, pruning,...), maintenance of field conservation zone (loosening the soil around, watering, pruning,...) and building  of wooden cottage (auxiliary works, carpenter works, painting…).

Free Time Activities: Camp members will enjoy organized visits of Palic and Ludas lakes, Subotica (downtown, City Hall, museum…) and ethnic farm houses nearby, ostrich farm “Guljas carda”, castle “Fantast” near Becej and “Zobnatica” near Backa Topola. There will be organized workshops with 5 members each: cooking, ancient handicrafts, as well as lectures in ornithology, and bird watching will be provided as well. Visit and volunteering at International Film Festival Palic 2008, 19th - 25th July. Free-pass, except for opening day (www.palicfilmfestival.com).

Accommodation: Accommodation will be in rooms at the first floor of administration building in the hothouse “Pokret gorana” (Nature movement) with 4 showers and toilets and mutual living-room. Lunch is provided at the restaurant of Students’ centre Subotica, whilst volunteers need to prepare breakfast and supper by themselves in the kitchen of their accommodation building.

Language: English

Location: Subotica is in the north of Serbia, 10 km from the border with Hungary