This year, from the 6th to the 20th of September, we got the opportunity to take part into an archaeological excavation campaign in Crapolla.
This excavation is coordinated since 2016 by the Federico II University of Naples (Humanities department) with the participation and help of the Archeoclub of Massa Lubrense.
The excavation is located above the Crapolla Fjord, behind the little church. In fact, San Pietro abbey, built during the 11th century, emerges with its remains behind the modern church San Pietro e San Paolo – built in 1949. The important event that made this abbey famous has been the stay between 1530 and 1533 of the two brothers and Benedictine monks Teofilo and Giambattista Folengo. Teofilo Folengo, also known as “Merlin Cocai”, great Macaronic poet, has described his life in the Sorrento peninsula through his work Varium Poema. His brother Giambattista, for his part, evocated the hermitage of Crapolla in the thirteenth book of his Polimones¹.
Ruins of the abbey, behind the little modern church
The goal of the various excavation campaigns through the study of the cloister area (claustrum) of the abbey is to understand what have been the various frequentation periods and moments of neglected state of the abbey and its surroundings.
Our help, as volunteers of Project M.A.R.E. has been to participate to the excavation activities, cleaning, inventorying but also to the preservation of the site, covering it again because at the end of the activities, the archaeological evidences have to be covered up in order to protect from deterioration the findings brought to light during the excavation campaign.
Concretely, regarding the two days in which I participated, we took off the soil and the canvas sheets that were covering the excavation site since last year. It has been a task of cleaning but also the opportunity to understand how is managed an excavation. With buckets, pointed trowels (fun fact: Italian people of the field frequently call them with the English word), brooms, shovels and pickaxes we started the rediscovery of the cloister remains, including some new investigated zones.
Then, the last day, we cleaned the excavation site carefully in order to allow taking pictures of the results of this year’s campaign. We also helped in achieving the inventory of the items found. Pedro also got the chance (and the meticulous glaze) to find a petrified shell filled with plaster – which probably served as decorative element on the walls of the cloister! At the end of the cleaning work, the team took pictures of the state of the excavation, on the ground as well as thanks to a drone! Then, finally, we covered again the site with soil, stones and canvas sheets to protect it until the next research campaign.
To sum up, this experience has been a beautiful immersion in the archaeological field alongside very nice students, postgraduates and PhD candidates, who have made us discover their world with kindness and passion!
The group of the last day
That is why, I would like to thank very much all the team of Federico II University of Naples: doctor Maria Teresa Cavallaro, Vittoria, Maria, Alessia, Giulia, Luciano and Raffaela but also doctor Elena Russo and professor Bianca Ferrara. Finally, I thank the Archeoclub of Massa Lubrense and Mimì to have given us the opportunity to take part in this unique adventure!
“Gli ‘archeolocos’ vi salutano!”
"Archeolocos" meeting at the end of the excavation campaign
¹To know more about the Folengo brothers, I recommend the reading of Giornate di Studio – I Folengo nella terra delle sirene, curated by Valerio TERRECUSO, Nicola Longobardi Editore (2020) [untranslated].
Thanks to a strategic partnership with the Italian National Agency, the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Punta Campanella is offering the opportunity to 5 ocean enthusiasts from all over Europe and partner countries to take part in Project M.A.R.E. 2024, a mid-term European Solidarity Corps (ESC) which will take place from May 2024 to December 2024. Successful participants will find themselves inside the Project M.A.R.E. family, a community of close to 100 ex-volunteers and sympathizers from 15 different countries who all share a deep-found relationship with the sea.
Background Info
Project M.A.R.E. represents a unique volunteering experience in collaboration with the MPA of Punta Campanella to support marine conservation initiatives which aim to reduce human impacts on the marine natural resources within the region. Volunteers will work to spread awareness about the richness of marine ecosystems, to promote ecotourism, to stop anchoring and pollution, to clean up beaches and the sea, working side by side with operators of the MPA and many local organizations which work to achieve similar goals.
During the last eleven years of activities (from 2013 until today) volunteers have participated to many local initiatives, international meetings and conferences, and they have achieved many results in terms of support to the MPA and personal development. This life-changing experience provides a powerful way to make people understand the interactions between humans and ecological systems, helping them to understand the direction to take in their lives.
Site Info
Punta Campanella MPA is located around the Sorrento peninsula, between the Gulf of Naples, the island of Capri and the Amalfi coast and it contains one of the most biodiverse sites within this basin. This territory is made of “mountains that fall into the sea enchanted by the song of sirens”. Due to its location that is difficult to access by land, as well as its transparent water, the Sorrento peninsula became a preferred destination for luxury and mass tourism. In this context, the MPA aims to protect natural places, like Ieranto bay, which are high interest sites for the biodiversity as well as for their cultural and historical value. In those places can be found traces of ancient civilisation that makes them even more fascinating and mysterious.
The continuous human exploitation of coastal areas has led to a need for marine conservation and therefore the MPA was created. Due to the difficult access by land and the transparent waters, this area is the perfect place for boats and yachts to stop and anchor during holiday periods. This leads to a big threat for marine life, especially Posidoniaoceanica meadows and hard substrate communities made of encrusting sponges and algae, the so-called coralligenous assemblages.
Since its foundation in 1997, the MPA is carrying out many summer initiatives to reduce the impact of mass tourism (between June and September) and to let people enjoy the Park in a sustainable way. Monitoring, ecotourism and conservation are the keywords to have a balanced usage of marine resources and volunteers play an important role in carrying out these operations.
The work of the MPA Punta Campanella doesn’t stop at the borders of the effective marine protected area, but goes far beyonds, wherever it is needed, through collaboration with several organizations and entities involved in marine conservation and education. For instance, since 2006, the park of Punta Campanella is actively working on a marine turtle conservation program in collaboration with the Antorn Dhorn Zoological Center, but also creating strong relashionship with fishermen and other actors of the sea. Thanks to these collaborations, the park of Punta Campanella started taking part in a summer program of sea turtle nest monitoring in 2020.
This year, the MPA of Punta Campanella is looking for volunteers to take part in project !
1. Project MARE – MPA Punta Campanella Who?
4 volunteers Where ? Massa Lubrense, 80061, Napoli (MPA Punta Campanella) (Hosted in Nerano) When? 10th May – 30th November (the project is started, yet the team of volunteers is not complete) Doing what ?
Supporting the MPA in a lot of different activities (monitoring of natural sites, guided visits, scientific studies, educational activities outdoor and indoor)
1. Project M.A.R.E. – MPA Punta Campanella – Position offered
the project is meant to host 4 volunteers that will commit themselves to the project for a duration of 7 months (May to December 2024 (**)) and that will work at different levels of organisation:
The project team consisting of the group of volunteers from different nationalities and backgrounds and the coordinator.
Team of the MPA of Punta Campanella made of biologists, educators, mariners, divers, park guards.
Local organisations (environmental organizations, diving centres, charter companies, other parks, etc.) that work to achieve the same goals.
Volunteers should be open-minded, curious and tolerant with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. We would like to host people with a particular interest and love for nature, the ocean, marine conservation, environmental education and outdoor activities to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience set in a multi-cultural context.
Duties and tasks
The MPA works on the activities that are listed below. According to the period of the year, volunteers will be involved in one or more of them. They will be expected to actively take part in these initiatives with a positive attitude using both the English and Italian language.
Marine Conservation – to mitigate human impacts on marine natural resources by reducing illegal activities and making people aware of the MPA and its goals.
Environmental Monitoring – to collect information about abiotic, biotic and human factors in the MPA and its surroundings.
Info & Awareness – to educate people about the park’s rules and threats to marine resources.
Outdoor Adventures – to meet nature face to face and enjoy its power and energy.
Beach and Sea Clean-ups – to try and mitigate one of the biggest human impacts on the marine environment: pollution.
Cultural Exchange – to learn about different cultures, tolerance and diversity.
Ecotourism Promotion – to spread info and open the doors to eco-compatible interactions between humans and nature.
Environmental Education – to participate in raising awareness of younger (or not) generation through educational activities
Schedule
Volunteers will support the park initiatives with a 30 to 40 hours/week commitment (6-8h/day). They will enjoy 2 weekly free days (not necessarily during weekend days). They will also enjoy 2 monthly free days to travel across this wonderful country or just to relax, which they can save up and choose themselves. The work will be done at the office and in the field (± 50/50 depending on the time of the year).
The schedule is more or less as follows (**):
Description
Timing
TRAINING and ORIENTEERING
Introduction to the region and the MPA,
Italian language classes,
Introduction to marine ecology and conservation,
Communication
May – June
INTO THE BLUE
Marine related activities in the park,
Public outreach and environmental education activities,
Sea turtle nesting and hatching monitoring in Cilento,
Communication.
June-September
MATURATION
Evaluation of summer activities, (report synthesis and presentation to various stakeholder groups)
Public outreach and environmental education activities,
Communication.
October-November
What We Offer
The project is a part of the ESC programme and is financed by the Italian National Agency. Thanks to these funds we can cover these expenses for volunteers:
Round trip – arrival and return to and from the Sorrento Peninsula at the beginning and end of the project;
Accommodation – shared accommodation and rooms with other volunteers;
Food Expenses – an amount of 150€ per month is guaranteed to each volunteer to cover food expenses (possibly in the form of coupons);
Pocket Money – an amount of 150€ per month is guaranteed to each volunteer for extra expenses;
Training – several training sessions, including weekly Italian classes, will be provided to volunteers in order to give them the best tools to support our work;
Orienteering – the first step of the project is to integrate in the local community, to orient yourselves in your new place and to understand the geography of the territory and the province of Naples in order to feel at home;
Mentoring – volunteers will take part in weekly meetings with the mentors and the coordinator to analyse and reflect on the training process, the progression of activities and the possible problems that might be faced during the project.
If this opportunity sounds interesting to you, do not hesitate and apply to join Project M.A.R.E. 2024!
(*) Dates are susceptible to change.
Check out our Instagram and blog to better understand who we are!
Motivation video of 1 minute through WeTransfer in which you briefly explain who you are and why you believe to be the right person for Project M.A.R.E. 2024.
Finally, due to the short period covered by the project, the MPA won’t be able to offer italian classes as intensives as it did the previous years. However, the work will require a high level of interaction with locals, and thus a capacity to understand and/or learn italian fast. So, we ask all the candidates to specify their italian level, knowing that it will be an important (but non exclusive) criteria for us. Successful applicants will be invited for an on-line interview to do as soon as possible.
If you want further informations, contact us with your questions at mareapplication@gmail.com.
The commonly called “Aquarium of Naples”, located in the Villa comunale, is a part of the Stazione Zoologica of Naples created by Anton Dohrn in 1872, with the scope of studying marine life as part of the evolutionary science. In fact, Anton Dohrn and Charles Darwin were having a rich correspondence and close collaboration.
The Aquarium is one of the oldest structures of this type in Europe, being open to the public since 1874. The Stazione Zoologica and its aquarium were very advanced for their time, allowing biologists researchers to discuss between them, have access to material and labs but also to get funds and to diffuse knowledge to the public.
The display of species is made in a way to allow going through the different marine habitats of the Mediterranean Sea and more particularly the Gulf of Napoli, with also another focus on its invasive species. One of the particularities of this aquarium is also the fact that the water of the tanks is collected directly from the Gulf which is located a few meters way, and its display of Roman artefacts in the tanks are authentic local archaeological pieces.
Emit crab in symbiosis with anemones.
When we entered the aquarium, the first thing we saw was a hermit crab in symbiosis with anemones, then we accessed a large white-walled room composed of many windows with small black columns, indicating the ancientness of the building. Through these windows can be seen all the different tanks and the various habitats of the Gulf of Naples.
Example of the displays – continental shelf bottom.Shallow water surface habitat.
First, we observed closely the shallow water surface habitat [depth: 0-1/2m; temperature: 13-28°C], and saw male sea urchins, Mediterranean snakelocks, benthic blennies and gobies with coloration patterns matching their environment. We also observed the very common Sarpa salpa (cow bream) and the rather solitary beadlet anemone (Actinia equine).
Close-up of a Posidonia sprout.
Secondly, we looked at the Posidonia meadows [depth: 0-30m]. The Posidonia oceanica is providing substrates for the fishes, stabilizing the sediments with its roots and contributing to fight erosion of the bottoms as well as the shore when it drops its leaves every 6 to 10 months. In this habitat, we could also observe a tunicate (sea potato), which acts as a sea filter; as well as white sea breams (Diplodus sargo), which are very closely related and adapted to the Posidonia meadows. Finally, we talked about two other fishes whose the ratio between them help to measure the effects of the climate change on the Mediterranean : the ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) which is thermophile and so gaining benefits from the rise of temperatures, and the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse (Coris julis) which prefers the temperate waters.
Thirdly, we caught a glimpse of the rocky environment [depth: 30-40m; temperature: 15-24°C], including parrotfishes (of the genus Sparisoma) which used to leave in the Southern part of the Mediterranean but they lately became very common in the Gulf of Naples. Black scorpion fish (with venomous spines) and sea cucumbers were also present.
Then, we admired the coralligenous habitat [depth: 40-200m; temperature: 15-24°C] covered with yellow cluster anemone (Parazoanthus axinellae) – which can be found in Ieranto bay, in the deepest part of the bay –, and violescent sea-whip (Paramuricea clavata) – which is a coral without a hard external structure. The animals present in this habitat have a modification of their shape that is fit to places that waves are not affecting. The low visibility of the deep sea also affects the colour of the species living there.
Coralligenous habitat.
After, we looked at the continental shelf bottom [depth: 40-200m; temperature: 15-18°C] with a presence of small spotted-dogfishes which is a type of shark living in the bottom. We could admire the hatpin urchin, which constitutes the only species of urchin enjoying temperate waters and it is now very endangered. This species is also a relic of the past close connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. In this habitat many longspine snipefishes were also visible, with their characteristic elongated nose used to help them eating.
Then we reached the open waters [temperature: 15-26°C]. In these tanks, we were able to see some combers, which are very territorial and opportunistic fishes, eating the remains of the octopus’ food. When they are numerous, their presence indicates the fact that an octopus lives nearby. On one of these tanks it was the case, with one living in an amphora.
Hidden octopus in a Roman amphora, surrounded by combers.Roman Moray-eel pound.
Two water tanks were of particular historical interest. The first one to be seen is the Roman moray-eel pond, a man-made habitat, similar to what can be found in Gaiola. This habitat was principally composed of Mediterranean morays and it included the presence of spiny starfishes as well as a grouper.
Another tank displayed some archaeological remains coming from the Gulf of Naples, such as an amphora providing shelter for a long conger eel.
Conger hidden in Roman remains.Seahorses and pipefishes hiding in sea grass.
Finally, at the end of the visit, we were able to see some tanks of flat fishes (Bothus podas) and of Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipefishes) camouflaging in their habitat. This concluded a beautiful visit of this historical aquarium that represented a formidable opportunity to learn more about the marine life of the Mediterranean Sea with a focus on the Gulf of Naples.
On Sunday 26th of June 3 of us, volunteers of Project M.A.R.E., together with around 30 American students visited a special place related to marine science : the Zoological Station in Portici.
Arriving first at Portici we learnt about how the zoological station in the past used to be the slaughterhouse of the King of Naples. Quite ironic considering that since 1986, the building has been a turtle center, and even though the outside part is decorated with bulls, inside is hosted a veterinary hospital for turtles. It is a short-term facility for them, until they manage to improve their condition, and hopefully be successfully released.
Guided tour in the Zoological Station of Portici.
The two main questions that popped in everybody’s mind were, why and how do the turtles reach there, and why do we pay so much attention to their rehabilitation? Firstly, the main species that is found in the Zoological Station of Portici is the Loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, a turtle species vastly known for its nesting in the Mediterranean sandy beaches. C.caretta adult females when they are ready to reproduce (every 2-3 years), visit the beach in which they were born, and using their flippers create their nests. When the hatching is happening, new-born turtles emerge together from under the sand and guided by the moonlight and the stars return to the sea and swim for 24 hours straight. Sometimes due to the existence of outside sources of light, the new-borns can be disoriented. Scientists in beaches with high light-pollution place dark fabrics around the nest to prevent this from happening. Following that step, and for 20 years, nobody knows where they are exactly, since they survive by following the currents and there is not enough information about how they manage to keep on living or what they do. The newborns are able to remember the chemical composition of their place of birth and the magnetic fields that lead them back to it, and that is why they are able to return there for their own reproduction.
The guide explained to us in detail the three main challenges that sea turtles are facing and are closely related to their way of life and reproduction.
Climate change is a great issue for them, since the sex of the hatchlings is not determined through genes, but through the environmental conditions of the nest. The temperature is the main parameter that controls the sex ratio, since high temperatures lead to the prevalence of female individuals, while lower temperatures, leads to male presence. In one nest, depending on the location of the eggs, usually the ones on top are the females, while the ones on the bottom are the males. This is a result of top eggs’ exposure to higher temperatures. Climate change, however, has led to the increase of temperature, consequently on the beaches as well. This creates a very dangerous trend for the species, which is the fast increase of the females in the C.caretta communities, females with not enough males to reproduce. Sometimes scientists during monitoring of nesting and hatching, artificially cool down the nests to ensure that males are being also born.
Fishing and high-speed boats (recreational boats or fishing) are one other threat for them. Turtles are often entangled on fishing gear (especially abandoned nets and hooks) or are being severely damaged by the boats. A serious injury on the carapace can lead to issues of their nervous system since their carapace is closely connected to it. Such injuries are very hard to recover. Two of the turtles in the center of Portici are in the intensive care unit and unable to be released, due to the severeness of their injuries on their carapaces.
Plastic is often mistaken as food by turtlesPlastic collected from a sea turtle’s stomach. Sea turtles are known for their help in controlling jellyfish blooms.Plastic can look very similar to jellyfish leading to its consumption by the marine animal. Accumulation of plastic in their stomachs causes feeding or other medical issues, which pose another threat for them.
Later, we had the chance to meet three of the turtles in the medical unit with less serious issues ! The tanks in which they are placed, are equipped with specialized heating systems and are strongly monitored.
The students meeting the turtles
The first turtle we met was Faster. He is still young and has been found by fishermen and faces trouble eating, due to some vision issues. Scricciolo is a smaller turtle, which has been raised in captivity in Spain and later released. After he was found, they realized that he has mobility issues, due to his inability to see.The last turtle we met was Alessia and was found by a boat. She is swimming with her mouth open and that is how she also greeted us!
ScriccioloAlessiaFaster
In some cases, before they release the turtles, tracking devices are placed on them, allowing scientists and not only, to observe their journey (if you want to follow their journey yourself, you can go on seaturtle.org)
The last part of our tour included learning about some other marine animals found in Italy such us: the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiop truncatus), the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleo alba) and lastly the short beaked dolphin (Delphinus delphis), which was also found on roman frescoes.
The entrance of the Zoological Station
The ceiling was decorated by those species and some shark species as well, giving you the feeling that you are entering a sort of Mediterranean sanctuary, a place to enjoy, appreciate and learn about challenges that species faced during the last decades.
Hello everyone! We are very pleased and excited to finally introduce the volunteers of the 10th edition of project M.A.R.E.! This year is very special for us not only because of our decade long journey but also because our family reached its 100th member! Being here has been nothing but amazing for all of us! Exploring the region getting to know everyone involved in this adventure and participating in the activities of the project. This is only the beginning for all of us so stay tuned to know more! For now, though, this is our official introduction to all of you!
Andrea Ivančić, Croatia 🇭🇷
Hello! I’m Andrea from Croatia! I graduated in ecology and nature protection. I am outgoing and cheerful person who likes to meet new people and learn new things. I love new challenges, traveling and eating good food. I have a great love for the oceans and marine animals. I believe that these are the organisms to which humanity pays the least attention so I decided to educate and empower people in both my local community and wherever the road takes me. I am now here, in Italy, and I want to explore as much as I can. Taste Italian well-known food, explore marine biodiversity, become more familiar with turtle monitoring, hike in all the mountains… I can say, even only after one month, volunteering in another country would enrich your life with new friendships, beautiful memories and a sense of satisfaction so I would recommend it to everyone. The new Project M.A.R.E. team is more than ever determined to make a change!
Xenia Symeonidou, Greece 🇬🇷
Hellooo! My name is Xeni Symeonidou, but everybody calls me Xenia. I am 24 years old and I am from Greece! I live in Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece which is known for its beautiful vibe and people. I have studied Biology in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and I am very interested in marine biology specifically. Growing up I was always near the sea and during summer my daily life revolved around water and the exploration of it! This is also the main reason I decided to apply for this project. Project M.A.R.E. is not only the perfect opportunity for me to test my limits and to learn more about the marine environment of the Mediterranean, but also to understand how such a Marine Protected Area is being handled and conserved. In addition, I am here to try to understand myself more and to see what my next step will be. Living in a communal way with so many different people around me with their own unique experiences and lifestyles, is so educating and enlightening for me. Having the chance to dive, see a hatching or (hopefully) the nesting process of a turtle, and learning more about Italian culture, myths and history is what I am looking forward to the most! Getting to know each other, exploring this beautiful region of Italy all together and sharing this project with them are the best ways to broaden my own personal horizons as well. After all, this project is not just a volunteering experience for me, it is a chance to learn and get out of my comfort zone! I am so grateful to be here and so excited for the moments we are all about to live!
Anäs Zïna, Tunisia 🇹🇳
Everyone greets the new sea ninja; this man came from a beautiful and touristic place. It is a real one that despite being little in the map is great and rich in history, this country is Tunisia 🇹🇳. I live more precisely in Monastir, a small place on the coast. I am Anas Zina, the new volunteer of the M.A.R.E. 2022 project 2022, I’m 25 years old. I’ve already finished my studies in marine biotechnology and entrepreneurship. I’m now trying to finish my end-of-study project. I’m here in the M.A.R.E. project because I’m interested in biodiversity and conservation and in protecting the marine areas. I have worked a little in Tunisia with an association, so I know how to help to protect the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella. I want to say that I’m friend of the sea because it is with whom I can share my failed moments. It always listens to me and tries to relax me. Moreover, I’m a fan of Italy and its people’s culture, food, fashion and their football team. I am here to live another experience and challenge myself at the same time. I’m sure it will be perfect. I’m here and ready for the experience 💪🏻.
Ons Benzarti, Tunisia 🇹🇳
My name is Ons Benzarti, I am 24 years old, I am Tunisian, I have been born and raised by the coast of Monastir, which explains my admiration for the sea. In fact, since I was a child the sea seemed a mystery for me, which I always dreamed to explore which lays beneath its surface and beyond.What I feel is like that, the sea is where I belong; I dive into the blue where I learned how to be lost into the chaos of my thoughts and how to surf on the wave of my dreams. I am a future marine biologist, ecologist and I am here to learn more, discover new cultures, challenge myself and enjoy this volunteering experience!
Pedro Ribeiro, Portugal 🇵🇹
Olá a todos! I am Pedro Ribeiro and I am coming from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea to discover new cultures, new friends, a new place, to get involved in marine activities, to communicate and to have fun doing what I really love. I am Portuguese and I invite you to visit the land of the giant waves, of the wine/food and of all the history behind each place. I’m 26 years old and I completed my Master’s degree in applied biology at the end of last year in a project about the impacts of microplastics. I also worked in a topic related to boars, deer and beetles, but the ocean keeps calling me every time. My goal is to work in marine conservation as much as I can and learn more about this field. This experience in Italy makes me very happy, as it allows me to grow as a person and as a professional. Having the privilege to meet so many interesting people is fantastic and I am very grateful to be here. I have to thank everyone who allows this to happen and those who accompany me in the process.
Yens Vandenboer, Belgium 🇧🇪
Ciao! My name is Yens Vandenboer. I am 25 years old and I come from Lommel, Belgium. Ever since my first volunteering experience in a South-African wildlife reserve it has been my dream to work in conservation. Later, while learning how to dive in the coral reefs of Indonesia I fell in love with the beauty of life underwater. These two newfound passions are what motivated me to do a master degree in marine ecology and conservation after which I have been working as a bartender while applying for jobs in the field for two years. Hence, when I was accepted into Project M.A.R.E. I was very happy to finally have the opportunity to contribute to marine conservation. I hope to gain experience in communication and community outreach while learning what I can about the functioning of a marine protected area and the practicalities involved in marine conservation. After being landlocked for two years, I can’t wait to get back in the sea and to discover the beauty found in the Punta Campanella MPA. If you’re looking for me this summer, you will probably find me kayaking or snorkelling and exploring the underwater landscape of Ieranto Bay.
Mahdi Tounakti, Tunisia 🇹🇳
Aaslema, my name is Mahdi and I’m from the south side of the Mediterranean. I was born in the Capital of Tunisia, the beautiful city of Tunis and it’s my first time traveling outside of my country. I graduated from the university of Tunis el Manar with a bachelor’s degree in currency, finance and banking followed by a master’s degree in analysis and economic policy. Growing up I was always near the sea and during summer spending hours under the sun exploring the long beautiful sandy beaches and the beautiful sea. Usually, I’m the financial guy but lately I’m passionate about nature and being here in the south of Italy for the Project M.A.R.E. is a perfect opportunity for me to learn more about natural science, especially the sea. I feel so fortunate to be here in this environment, in the company of biologists, because this gives me the opportunity to look at the world from a different perspective, I have to say that I’m loving this part of the whole experience. Living in this multicultural space is a wonderful occasion to discover different people, their lifestyle, their habits and everything about them and this is so educational for me. Being here is such a unique experience to learn more about Italian culture, starting from the history to the art, the people to the food but also to explore the beautiful land of the southern part of the country. This project is much more than volunteering because this can be an enlightening experience for me to learn more, so I’m grateful and I’m excited to be here with these beautiful people in this beautiful journey.
Paul Descoeur, France 🇫🇷
Ciao! I’m Paul, I am French and I am 24. I come from Massif Central and I studied political sciences and history in Strasbourg but I am also passionate about languages, art and natural as well as historical heritage. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always looked at nature with eyes wide open and I would like to work in the field of natural and historical heritage conservation, with a sustainable approach. That’s why, after the end of my studies I wanted to do something meaningful and which can be useful: indeed I wanted to help the M.A.R.E. Project for a long time, hoping to be useful with my creative gaze, my knowledge of Italian and the passion I cultivate when I get involved in an activity that interests me. Currently, what interests me the most is to be able to pass on knowledge about the priceless heritage of the Punta Campanella park, because it is very important to keep alive this interesting place, full of natural and cultural features. A place that is worth protecting, with the help of the locals but also the visitors, a water drop in the Mediterranean Sea but a very precious one. This summer, you can find me sketching on the shore or writing a poem in Ieranto Bay, with a lot of enthusiasm to learn more, to help to protect the this invaluable nature, but also to widen my world view.
Claudia Gaspar García, Spain 🇪🇸
Ciao! My name is Claudia and I come from Barcelona. I am a marine ecologist looking forward to exploring the biodiversity of the Sorrentine coast, getting involved in turtle nesting and to help the park with the conservation of the Posidonia meadows found in Ieranto Bay!I have studied in Biology in Spain and later I have done an Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Marine Environment and Resources, which has given me the opportunity to live in different European countries and to learn about different cultures by sharing classroom with people from all around the globe. Being in the project M.A.R.E. allows me to keep enjoying living in a multicultural environment. Now, I am living in Campania, a region filled by beautiful landscapes and full of culture, myths, and history, and despite being my first time living in Italy, it feels somehow like home. The project M.A.R.E. became very quickly a dream come true, because it allows me to work in a field I’m passionate about and teaches me so many new thinks. Moreover, it allowed me to meet amazing people, with whom I am looking forward to spending the following months. The team from the 10th edition is strong and looking forward to starting the adventure!
Olivier Rikir, Belgium 🇧🇪
Hi there ! Arriving from the bucolic place of Stembert, in Belgium, here is a new volunteer of the M.A.R.E Project. My name is Olivier, and I am 29 years old. Since my childhood, I have always felt a strong connection with the environment that surrounds me and its inhabitants. When I think about it, my best memories are the ones where I spent hours playing and discovering the fields or the woods, observing my surroundings while enjoying the quiet peace of the place. Being fascinated by languages and interpersonnal communication, I studied french and roman languages and litterature in Liège. After a license in linguistic, I did another license in didactic and pedagogy before becoming a teacher for two years. Today, I am opening a new chapter of my life, following an urgent desire to dedicate myself to the conservation of the environment that surrounds us. Joining the M.A.R.E Project is a thrilling opportunity, as I will be able to learn a lot about marine conservation, the functionning of a Marine Protected Area, while being in contact with the local populations and putting my communication abilities to use for a really important cause. I am also very excited to learn more about italian culture and to live in Italia, the cradle of western Europe. I can’t wait to live this whole journey, sharing it with like-minded people everyday through thick and thin, and growing together as responsible citizens of the world. As some say, we need to be the change we wish to see in the world.
