Volunteers who have a good level of fitness, want to spend time doing physical work outdoors and are interested in helping with the ecological recovery of native forests in Lisbon.

Project details

Want to turn over a new leaf as a Forest Conservation volunteer in Portugal? International Volunteer HQ’s Forest Conservation project is a great way for volunteers to contribute to the restoration of native forests and wildlife in Lisbon. Volunteers gain conservation and fieldwork experience while learning about the forest and practices that will help it recover from environmental challenges and protect it long into the future.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Forests and mountains play an essential role in the health of our planet. They perform a wide range of functions for local ecosystems, such as providing vital natural resources, controlling soil erosion, regulating and filtering water and recycling nutrients. They also aid soil formation, the sequestration of carbon, the filtration of air pollutants, and reduce the risk of fires and floods.

IVHQ’s Forest Conservation project aims to promote degraded areas by restoring native forests and species while engaging the local community. This initiative is designed to enhance natural heritage, reduce environmental damage, regenerate natural spaces, promote biodiversity, and restore ecological functions.

As a Forest Conservation volunteer you’ll work alongside local coordinators and community members to make a tangible impact in forest ecology. Most activities take place in a natural park near Lisbon, with tasks varying by season:

Control Invasive Species: Apply techniques to manage invasive species introduced in recent decades.
Planting: Plant diverse species using various methods, primarily in autumn and winter.
Maintenance: Maintain planted areas and biodiversity niches.
Trail Maintenance: Keep walking trails in good condition.

Once a month, depending on the weather conditions, volunteers embark on a field trip lasting 2 to 5 days, traveling to various parts of Portugal. These excursions provide the opportunity to explore new villages and regions. During these trips, volunteers play a crucial role by engaging in large-scale planting efforts in areas that have been degraded by intensive agriculture, fires, or invasive species.

Please note that the volunteer work while on the Forest Conservation project can be very physical and demanding and, as such, volunteers do need to have a medium level of fitness to take part.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #13: Climate Action

Climate change affects everyone, everywhere. 2010 - 2020 was the warmest decade ever recorded and Carbon Dioxide levels have risen to an all-time high. In order to keep global temperatures below the Paris Agreement’s 2 degree Celsius limit, we must take action to educate communities, conserve nature and promote sustainable solutions.

Why do Forest Conservation volunteering in Lisbon with IVHQ?

As a Forest Conservation volunteer in Portugal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Assisting with conservation efforts in Lisbon
Helping to protect and preserve natural ecosystems
Developing your communication skills
Gaining forest conservation and fieldwork experience
Immersing yourself in Portuguese culture
Exploring Portugal’s natural environment

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Who is going?

Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.