Are you a marine biology student or passionate about marine conservation and eager to protect one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating species? This summer, join our sea turtle conservation project along the stunning Cilento coastline, covering the areas of Ascea, Marina di Camerota and Palinuro.
For 32 days starting from June, teams of volunteers will work on monitoring and awareness activities to protect sea turtle nests, engaging with local communities and ensuring the survival of these incredible marine creatures.
You will be joining the initiatives promoted by our association Acarbio, which has been involved in the protection of the biodiversity of the Amalfi Coast since 2009 and since 2024, it has been part of the sea turtle nesting monitoring network in Campania (CarettainVista), coordinated by the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station as part of the LIFE TURTLENEST project.
A PERSONAL CHALLENGE BUT INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE
This will certainly not be a vacation, but a busy adventure that includes sleepless nights overseeing a nest, early morning monitoring but countless emotions and field experience. The time of the hatchings will provide incredible excitement and enrich your memories to share as well, lived together with expert biologists and other volunteers from different countries who will be your companions in this wild journey. This will also be an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful areas of the Italian coast and experience the local culture.
Why Cilento?
The Cilento coastline is a crucial nesting ground for the Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle). Every year, turtles return to these sandy shores to lay their eggs. However, human activities endanger their survival. Our project aims to safeguard these nests, educate the public, and reduce the risks to this endangered species.
Project Details
- Duration: Each team stays for 32 days
- Participants: Three groups of 8 volunteers (total 24 volunteers over the summer)
- Accommodation: Volunteers will be accommodated in 3 different locations that will rotate during the 1 month of volunteering and include Palazzo Ricci (Ascea) and tent station at Marina di Camerota and Palinuro. Beds and camp kitchen tools will be provided.
- Locations: Ascea, Palinuro, Marina di Camerota
- Project Period: Starting from June
Further financial Support:
Volunteers will be covered by the European Solidarity Corps programme (ESC) and will receive: accommodation as described above, food supplies or food budget, 6€ per day pocket money.
Travel costs will be reimbursed by the programme.
Volunteers will also receive a YouthPass certificate to validate their experience and learning.
Volunteer Activities
– Morning patrols and nest vigilance – Volunteers will carry out early morning foot patrols along the coastline, looking for tracks left by female turtles that have come ashore to nest during the night. This helps identify new nests so appropriate protection measures can be activated. During the hatching period, volunteers will take part in 24-hour nest watch, ensuring that hatchlings can safely emerge from the sand and reach the sea without disturbance.
– Beach awareness & community engagement – Volunteers will educate tourists and locals on how to coexist responsibly with nesting turtles, promoting sustainable behavior.
– Environmental surveys – Volunteers will assess beach conditions and monitor the human impact on nesting sites, ensuring the environment remains conducive for turtle conservation.
Living & Working Conditions
Group of 4 volunteers will rotate between:
–Fieldwork stations in tents at Marina di Camerota and Palinuro, for direct beach monitoring.
–Palazzo Ricci in Ascea, where data analysis, planning, and outreach activities will take place.
Who Can Apply?
We’re looking for marine biology students, environmentalists, and ocean lovers who:
– Are motivated and responsible
– Are between 18-30 years old
– Are ready to challenge themselves
– Can work in teams and adapt to outdoor conditions
– Are passionate about marine conservation
– Can handle shifts for turtle monitoring and camping settings
How to Apply
Interested? Send an email to international@acarbio.org with:
Your CV and a motivational letter explaining why you want to join
Come and be part of real conservation action in one of Italy’s most beautiful marine environments!