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Orchids, probably the most diverse
group of plants of the plant kingdom, are surprisingly of very
recent appearance (15 million years ago in the European continent).
They have reached the highest complexity in their floral nature and
co-evolution with pollinators. The modification of the flower parts
has led to an attraction of the pollinators by visual, tactile or
even scent mimesis from a specific group of insects or even a
specific species of insects. That led externally to beautiful shapes
and very complex ecological patterns.
Orchid populations in the Spanish
Mediterranean coast have a high diversity of species due to the
sharp variation of habitats in a relatively small geographical area.
Many different environments can be found from sea level up to more
than 1000 m of altitude.
In the Marina Region, in the Alicante
province (Region of Valencia, Spain) there are about 30 species of
orchids. One of them is endemic, and most of them live in endangered
areas due to the increasing urban development.
In recent decades, the dramatic
changes in land use have had an impact on the populations of orchids.
However, the specific impact, whether a positive or a negative one,
is yet to be examined thoroughly.
The
IDENTIA Institute is launching a project aimed at monitoring the
evolution of the orchid populations and we would like you to join in
our experience.
Purpose of the
expedition
We will be searching for orchid
populations in several places, counting and measuring them, taking
photographs, and searching for pollinators.
We will visit specific “hot spots” where several species live together and, also, we will walk in slopes, hills and different areas looking for information which will be later entered in a database.
Volunteers should remember at all times that uprooting, cutting, or collecting specimens is not allowed unless expressly authorised!
Destination
We will visit several typically Mediterranean mountains and valleys
in the countryside, from the coastline towards the inland. We will
observe many different plant landscapes. Littoral garrigues,
thickets, abandoned farming terraces, rocky slopes, and mountain
tops will be our typical field-work environments.
Mountain ranges (known as sierras), many of which are over 1200
meters, deep valleys and coastlines with breathtaking cliffs make up
the dramatic scenery of the Marina Region where this exciting
expedition will take place.
Who can join
us?
No experience or formal qualifications are
necessary for this expedition. You will work as part of a team with
people from all over of the world who have something in common: a
passion for orchids and a commitment to do something in order to
protect and learn about our orchids.
If you are an expert scientist or orchidiologist,
maybe you can teach us about different orchid-related aspects.
If you are passionate about orchids, here is a
chance to see them with your own eyes, take pictures and get the
data you want.
If you are a nature photographer, this is a good
opportunity to take new photographs not only of orchids, but also of
many others plants which will be blossoming at the time when the
expedition will take place.
If you are a student, this expedition is a good
opportunity for you to learn more about this special group of
plants.
If you are an enthusiastic traveller, here is
the chance to enjoy a special area of the Ibero-Mediterranean
region.
Duration
and dates
From 5 to 11 May. The expedition will last 7 days. The first and
the last day are scheduled for arrivals and departures respectively.
Meeting point
30th April is the arrival day and
the meeting point will be the Alicante International Airport
(Spain). We will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Languages
English will be the official language of the
expedition, but the leaders are Spanish and know other languages.
Meals &
accommodation
Accommodation will be in a familiar house close to Calpe City. So, it will not be a luxury hotel, but a comfortable and full equipped house.
The rooms will be shared with other volunteers and will include hot showers. Volunteers will have time for relax and varied healthy meals.
Number
of participants
No more than 8 volunteers will be accepted
per team. With bigger teams there would be a risk of stepping on the
orchid populations which we will be visiting.
Groups
If you are a group of more than 4 people, we can
arrange particular dates that are convenient for you. Just send us
an e-mail at:
identia@identiacentre.net
Even though the main aim of this volunteering
project is to monitor orchid populations in the Marina Region, we
are open to suggestions from groups with particular interests,
groups such as university students, researchers, clubs, or others.
We could strike a balance between our interests and your group's
interests and thus organize a special expedition.
Financial contribution: 1150 €
It includes:
- Transport to and from the airport
- Accommodation
- Expedition trips and outings (transport to and from the research area, documentation, all materials)
- Research, co-operation and guiding team
- Certificate of Attendance (40 hours field work at our volunteer project)
Where your money goes
Each of the volunteers that signs-up for this
expedition not only contributes essential funds that help to cover
the research costs, but also through their inspiration and effort
provides the manpower without which our project simply couldn’t be
carried out.
Your contribution covers:
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The cost of the field research, including field
equipment
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Food, accommodation and transport on the project
-
On-site training and orientation in the field
-
Summer rescue of the endangered orquids marqued
during this expedition
Leaders & Organizers. Who will be guiding the expedition?
Volunteers wiil be guided and assisted by Antoni Barber (Toni) and Nicolás Moity (Nico). Both are biologists, young researchers, and very knowledgeable about the expedition territory. They are the organizers of this volunteering project that is promoted by the IDENTIA Institute.
About the area
The Marina Region is a very mountainous territory. It is located in
the ancient Iberian Eastern Contestania. Presently it belongs to the
north of the Alicante province, in the Region of Valencia, Spain.
The Marina Region is divided in the Marina Alta and the Marina Baixa
subregions (Upper Marina & Lower Marina). These were historical
districts within the Christian Kingdom of Valencia after the end of
the Muslim domination. They conform an East-to-West chain of
mountains and valleys with a huge biodiversity and amazing
landscapes.
PHOTOS
MAPS
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Expedition
Briefing
