ESC (AR France)

A Rocha France – European Volunteer – ESC (Courmettes)

Activity description:

Starting by the end of February 2023 for a year

Les Courmettes is a natural site of 600ha in a Natura 2000 area. Located nearby Nice, scientific studies and monitorings are implemented along side actions to raise awereness and train people. The European volunteers, under the direction of the nature activities manager, will participate in protecting this rich site by reconciling both nature conservation and welcoming the public. Volunteers will develop competences in environmental education, scientific studies and natural site management.

LOCATION: Domaine des Courmettes 06140 Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France

DATE: As soon as possible for 12 months

ORGANISATION: 35h/week, 1week-end over 2 and public holidays

POSITIONS TO BE FILLLED: open to young European citizens from outside France

Send resume and motivation (with two references) to Charlotte Léon, Nature Projects manager at Les Courmettes : [email protected].

Domaine des Courmettes
The ocellated Lizard, threatened
Orchids monitoring

Missions

Volunteers will take part in :

  • raising awareness with the public through different media (panels, discussion, educational tools etc.)
  • species and habitat studies (fieldwork, data analysis etc.)
  • maintenance and management actions (trail marking, site defence etc.)
  • learning French (10% of the time) and communicating about the ESC through different media (10% – video, stands, articles)
  • tasks related to the proper functioning of the Les Courmettes centre: welcoming visitors, maintenance of the estate and its park, various tasks related to community life, cooking, etc. (30%)

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers are housed at the Courmettes centre, which is also the logistical base for the projects, A Rocha France’s head office and the hub for running the life of the team. Rooms are shared (1 to 2 people of the same sex per room). Lunch and supper, prepared by a cook, are eaten together at fixed times during the week with the team and any other participants. When the cook is absent, team members take turns to prepare meals. Breakfasts are self-service. Vegetarian diets can be offered. Cars are available (with a fee) to get around. The modus vivendi ‘rules of life’ may be adapted due to the COVID situation.

Participant profile:

  • real interest in raising awareness and protecting the environment 
  • enjoying rural life, contact with people and flora and fauna. Meaning sometimes putting up with difficult weather conditions and being ready to welcome visitors at Les Courmettes and talk about the site’s regulations.
  • taking initiative in the tasks they undertake and following them through to completion
  • basic knowledge of French and a driving license are an advantage for the volunteers
Simon still

I am a conservationist

As part of A Rocha’s 40th Anniversary, we’re excited to introduce the new five-part video series, ‘Elements of hope’. From discovering the beauty in the small things, to understanding the importance of planting roots long-term, to exploring the connection between nature and mental health, the series offers a powerful message of hope in the face of today’s conservation challenges. Stay tuned for all five videos premiering throughout the year – starting with the first video, ‘I am a conservationist’. 

We all have a role to play in protecting and preserving our planet. Being a conservationist doesn’t mean you have to be a scientist or work for a non-profit. It’s about making small changes in our daily lives and using our unique talents and skills to make a difference. Conservation needs everyone.   

Join the movement and show the world that conservation is not just for scientists or activists, it’s for all of us. Show us what you’re doing for nature by sharing your stories, photos, and videos on social media with the hashtag #iamaconservationist. Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all creation.

40-40-40

40 for the future campaign

Over forty years, A Rocha has been peacekeepers in elephant/human conflict in India, planted indigenous trees from Nigeria to Peru, fed undernourished children with the produce of our sustainable agriculture programme in Canada and become a credible voice of hope in the increasingly fraught environmental conversation.  

As we reach this significant milestone, you are invited to become part of the story of God’s work through us in this world. We are looking for 40 gifts of $40,000 for 40 A Rocha locations. Whether you are an individual, a church, a family or a group of friends, our hope is that investing in A Rocha’s next forty years will bring you into deeper relationship with this beautiful world and the one who created it.  

If you would like to find out more, please email Avery Robson, Director of Development at [email protected].  

We realize for many a smaller gift will be more manageable – we are grateful for any gift, large or small. Regular gifts are particularly appreciated, as they help us make longer term plans with confidence. Check out the A Rocha Table, our community of regular givers. We’d love to have some new sign ups this year – perhaps 40 of you! 

turning 40

A Rocha turns 40! What to look forward to this year:

In 1983, the migration of the ARPANET to TCP/IP was officially completed and the internet came into being. A man named Chuck Hull invented the 3D printer. Saint Kitts and Nevis became an independent state and brand new country. And a tiny organization was formed to care for creation in God’s name, beginning with a wetland in southern Portugal. The internet has come a long way in 40 years, and so has A Rocha!

This year, look out for:

  • A special edition of the Field Notes newsletter
  • A virtual birthday party in September
  • A creation aware meal resource including a liturgy and menu suggestions
  • Highlights from the archive

If you are new to the A Rocha family and would like to know more of our story, we recommend you read Under the Bright Wings and Kingfisher’s Fire by Peter Harris, or explore this page on our website.