Work

The camp is based at Alviora, which offers a range of activities to connect people with nature, such as community gardens, wildlife workshops, school programs, and hikes. As part of the camp, volunteers help maintain the center through tasks like gardening, renovating the house and other projects such as removing old fences to protect wildlife, marking walking paths, and potentially do forestry work like trimming or planting trees. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their home countries and be ready to spend time outdoors. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Solheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blai Herinn (the Blue Army). SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impact

Location

The accommodation is located an hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view of Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions began in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found throughout the area, which is a popular attraction among both foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula or a day-trip to the city of Reykjavik) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. The weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education centre. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers sleep in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways.

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on May 6 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavik (BS).

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits, such as outdoor cleanup tasks, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on weather conditions, as on the availability of our partners. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice while exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Partner

SEEDS programme combines learning, sharing and hands-on activities. On top of that you get to know Iceland and its culture while having fun, exploring the city, its attractions and stunning nature, which you can experience in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances (up to 1,5 hours) during activities and sightseeing. During this camp, participants can share their passion for (and learn more about) global and local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management and sustainability, and you also love taking photos, then this project is for you While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers and travellers

Location

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city that lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature. A day trip to the Hot River area, combined with a cleanup or work with an environmental project in the area, is included for the participants in this camp. Some excursions (e.g. to the Golden Circle and/or South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares if there is free time after the camp workshops/sessions.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Participants sleep in shared rooms with up to 6 people so everyone is expected to behave considerately. Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music or games from your country for the intercultural evening. Be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day) and the Hot River Hike trip.

Meeting point

Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). From the airport there are bus services to the city, either the Flybus or the bus number 55. The meeting point will be at the SEEDS office at Grettisgata 3a. The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 6 at SEEDS office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits, such as outdoor cleanup tasks, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on weather conditions, as on the availability of our partners. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice while exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Partner

SEEDS programme combines learning, sharing and hands-on activities. On top of that you get to know Iceland and its culture while having fun, exploring the city, its attractions and stunning nature, which you can experience in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances (up to 1,5 hours) during activities and sightseeing. During this camp, participants can share their passion for (and learn more about) global and local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management and sustainability, and you also love taking photos, then this project is for you While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers and travellers

Location

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city that lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature. A day trip to the Hot River area, combined with a cleanup or work with an environmental project in the area, is included for the participants in this camp. Some excursions (e.g. to the Golden Circle and/or South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares if there is free time after the camp workshops/sessions.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Participants sleep in shared rooms with up to 6 people so everyone is expected to behave considerately. Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music or games from your country for the intercultural evening. Be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day) and the Hot River Hike trip.

Meeting point

Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). From the airport there are bus services to the city, either the Flybus or the bus number 55. The meeting point will be at the SEEDS office at Grettisgata 3a. The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 16 at SEEDS office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

The camp is based at Alviora, which offers a range of activities to connect people with nature, such as community gardens, wildlife workshops, school programs, and hikes. As part of the camp, volunteers help maintain the center through tasks like gardening, renovating the house and other projects such as removing old fences to protect wildlife, marking walking paths, and potentially do forestry work like trimming or planting trees. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their home countries and be ready to spend time outdoors. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Solheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blai Herinn (the Blue Army). SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impact

Location

The accommodation is located an hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view of Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions began in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found throughout the area, which is a popular attraction among both foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula or a day-trip to the city of Reykjavik) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. The weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education centre. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers sleep in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways.

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on May 16 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavik (BS).

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

The camp is based at Alviora, which offers a range of activities to connect people with nature, such as community gardens, wildlife workshops, school programs, and hikes. As part of the camp, volunteers help maintain the center through tasks like gardening, renovating the house and other projects such as removing old fences to protect wildlife, marking walking paths, and potentially do forestry work like trimming or planting trees. This camp combines learning, sharing, hands-on work and fun. No previous experience is needed. Volunteers should be prepared to share environmental issues from their home countries and be ready to spend time outdoors. Volunteers should be ready to adapt and be flexible with the work and free-time schedule. Depending on the weather, we may not be able to perform some of the activities as planned.

Partner

This camp is part of SEEDS ongoing efforts to raise awareness, promote engagement in environmental issues and to support sustainability, organic and permaculture farming, social inclusion, education and hands-on actions in the field. Volunteers will gain insights into local and global challenges through non-formal educational activities such as hands-on work, visits, discussions, and workshops. SEEDS volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different projects in collaboration with Landvernd (the Icelandic Environmental Organization), the EcoVillage at Solheimar, the Icelandic Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources, Umhverfisstofnun (the Icelandic Environmental Agency) and Blai Herinn (the Blue Army). SEEDS volunteers will take on a variety of activities, depending on weather conditions and the needs of our partners including working in the forestry section and vegetable greenhouses in the EcoVillage, as well as participating in a nationwide project to raise awareness of ocean pollution, plastic waste, and engage the group in hands-on cleanup efforts in the area, allowing volunteers to make a direct impact

Location

The camp is located an hour drive south-east from Reykjavik. The house serves as an environmental-educational centre and sits under Ingolfsfjall, The Mountain of Ingolfur, with a view of Eyjafjallajokull where the volcanic eruptions began in March and April 2010. The place is registered as natural Icelandic heritage; the nature, vegetation and birdlife is rich in variety and quantity. The volunteers can enjoy outdoor activities in a peaceful and beautiful location with a small stream and a pond nearby. Hiking trails with maps about cultural heritage can be found throughout the area, which is a popular attraction among both foreign and local visitors. The nearest town, Selfoss, only 10 minutes-drive away, with 6500 inhabitants, is a centre of commerce and small industries where you find a geothermal swimming pool, shops, museums, cafes and bars. Additional excursions (e.g. Golden Circle, the South Shore or Reykjanes Peninsula or a day-trip to the city of Reykjavik) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of volunteers interested. The weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.

Accomodation

SEEDS volunteers stay in an old farm which has been transformed into an environmental education centre. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathroom, shower and a washing machine. Volunteers sleep in shared rooms, with up to 6 people per room. Volunteers will receive food supplies and will be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music, games or movies from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 350 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes accommodation, food and one trip to the Hot River area in Reykjadalur. The fee does not include the transportation from Reykjavik to the camp and back, which costs EUR 30 one way or EUR 60 for both ways.

Meeting point

Meeting time is at 16:00 (4:00 pm) on May 26 at the SEEDS Office in Reykjavik. Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavik (BS).

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a standard workcamp. This project has a smaller volunteer work part and puts a bigger emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. You will visit local projects on environment and conservation. These may include hands-on activities or guided visits, such as outdoor cleanup tasks, a local fauna and/or flora exhibition or an Icelandic culture museum. Some of these activities are dependent on weather conditions, as on the availability of our partners. You will also have time to put the theory about photography into practice while exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

Partner

SEEDS programme combines learning, sharing and hands-on activities. On top of that you get to know Iceland and its culture while having fun, exploring the city, its attractions and stunning nature, which you can experience in possible excursions. Participants should prepare to share environmental issues from their countries and be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances (up to 1,5 hours) during activities and sightseeing. During this camp, participants can share their passion for (and learn more about) global and local environmental issues, as well as photography. If you are interested in topics such as climate change, waste management and sustainability, and you also love taking photos, then this project is for you While developing artistic and technical photography skills, you will be focusing on environmental and sustainability issues through non-formal activities such as workshops, discussions, presentations and visits facilitated by SEEDS. One of our aims is to help create more environmentally aware consumers and travellers

Location

Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city that lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. The world s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavik is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by beautiful nature. A day trip to the Hot River area, combined with a cleanup or work with an environmental project in the area, is included for the participants in this camp. Some excursions (e.g. to the Golden Circle and/or South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares if there is free time after the camp workshops/sessions.

Accomodation

SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavik. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Participants sleep in shared rooms with up to 6 people so everyone is expected to behave considerately. Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music or games from your country for the intercultural evening. Be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country. It may be very cold and/or rainy, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothes (underlayers, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) and good walking shoes, as some of the activities take place outdoors.

Requirements

Participation fee EUR 400 (Euros). The fee can either be transferred in advance via bank transfer, or paid in cash on arrival. It includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day) and the Hot River Hike trip.

Meeting point

Closest international Airport: Keflavik/Reykjavik (KEF). From the airport there are bus services to the city, either the Flybus or the bus number 55. The meeting point will be at the SEEDS office at Grettisgata 3a. The Meeting time will be at 18:00 (6:00 pm) on May 26 at SEEDS office in Reykjavik. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp on their own.

Notes:

English will be the language in the camp; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

Work

We will help their organic farming (planting rice and vegetables, weeding in the vegetable fields, taking care of goats and chicken) and also carry the things from the town, renovate the trails, reconstruct the neighboring traditional house owned by the ex. inhabitant and destroyed by snow, help the house work such as cooking, washing, clearing, etc. Be ready to work for quite a long time (06:00-18:00 with some brakes) and hard!

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities), organized together with Kyodo Gakusha (since 2000 here), a cooperative community where people with various backgrounds such as mentally disadvantaged, people who are tired of city life, who want to learn farming, who want to live in the nature, etc. They have 5 communities in Japan incl. Maki and grow animals and vegetables in an ecological, organic way. Maki is located in a very isolated area (not accessible for cars and we have to walk 4 km in the mountains!), so it once became an abandon village in 1970s and then, was revived by Kyodo Gakusha. Over 10 people were living till several years ago, but less and less in these years (almost nobody in the winter), so vols. are needed even more! *Outcome of this project: In 2025, we had 20 STVs for 4 short term workcamps and 3 LMTVs from 9 countries who greatly contributed to their protecting the houses, farming and caring animals that was difficult to finish by the time they needed without volunteers! Especially for June, it was very helpful to have managed to finish rice planting:) See the long-term goal of this project as Local SDGs made by the previous project leader at https://www.slideshare.net/nice-workcamp/2019-ep3-188767935 (only in Japanese, sorry, but you can still enjoy the pictures!)

Location

Maki is located in the beautiful place near “Japanese Northern Alps”, at about 900 meters asl. and there is something remained here that most of Japanese areas have lost in modernization. Other activities - Exchange program, Excursion on a free day (possibly to Hakuba, a famous tourism spot), etc.

Accomodation

Volunteers will sleep in a few rooms of the house that is a very beautiful cultural heritage and equips the basic facilities such as water, electricity and a bath room! They will have meals, meetings and social life with Kyodo Gakusha members in the main building (just 30 meters far). Meals will be cooked by volunteers together with the members by turns. Sleeping bag is not necessary.

Requirements

Volunteers need to have high motivation and patience to keep the hard, long and important work in the very isolated, natural place and to respect the way of the local host. No special skills nor experiences are needed. Motivation letter is needed!

Notes:

Study theme - Similar type of communities in each country and their networking Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - The popular documentary film for this place was broadcasted in 2015 at arayashiki-movie.jp/en/.

Work

Assisting in the preparation (preparation of saplings and tools, setting up tents, etc.) and operation of tree planting festivals in two locations in Aomori Prefecture (Ajigasawa and Hiranai). On the day of the festival, many participants, local students to those from all over the country, will gather to plant trees. 1) Preparing a beech nursery and organize a tool shed. 2) Preparation and operation of the tree-planting festival in Hiranai on June 14. 3) Preparation and operation for the tree-planting festival of SMPS in Ajigasawa on June 21.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with Shirakami Mountains Preservation Society (SMPS) since 2006. The Shirakami Mountains is one of Japanese valuable preserved natural forests consisting primarily of beech trees, registered as a World Natural Heritage in 1993. SMPS aims to preserve the natural beauty of the Shirakami Mountains by nurturing seedlings of beech trees, planting them, training mountain guide, etc. SMPS hosts tree-planting ceremony every June for preserving and promoting the value of it. They also preserve the forests near the Mutsu-bay, famous as production of scallops. Due to climate change, the sea water temperature increased abnormally and the most of scallops were dead. So SMPS started to preserve the forest there to let nutrient water flow to the ocean.

Location

Volunteers will work in Ajigasawa town and Hiranai town in Aomori prefecture. Aomori is located on the northernmost tip of Honshu Island. Shirakami Mountains located in southwest and the Mutsu-bay nestles between the eastern Shimokita and western Tsugaru Peninsulas. Other activities - Enjoy rich nature around accommodation, taking a walk at morning, hot spring, etc.

Accomodation

Shared room in school dormitory. Sleeping bag is needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

Requirements

Volunteers should prepare to work hard outside in good and bad weather and have high motivation for work in the forests actively with local people.

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers will get knowledge of history and culture of Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage, and skills of conservation forests in Japan. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - None

Work

Collecting plums that naturally fall from the tree onto the net. Harvesting and sorting of plums on trees by hand. Cultural exchange through visiting schools. etc.

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), organized together with Akitsugawa Promotion Group (APG) since 2024. Tanabe City and Minabe Town in Wakayama Prefecture are Japan's largest Ume(plums) products-growing areas. The region features a unique plum cultivation agricultural system that has been recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage by FAO. This system utilizes nutrient-poor, gravelly, and unstable slopes, preserving firewood and charcoal forests while strategically planting plum orchards. For over 400 years, it has sustainably produced high-quality plums, maintained through various wisdom and innovations. However, the region is also suffering from an aging population and declining birth rate, and sustainable agriculture, particularly plum farming, is in danger due to a lack of manpower. An international workcamp was organized with the aim of spreading the plum and the region's attractions to volunteers from all over the world, and passing to the next generation.

Location

Tanabe City is located in south-central Wakayama Prefecture. It is the second largest city in Wakayama Prefecture and the economic and industrial center of southern Wakayama. It is the junction of the Nakaheji and Oheji routes of the Kumano Kodo, and is known as 'Kuchikumano'. With an area of over 1,000 km², the city has the largest area of any city in the Kinki region. Other activities - Observation of charcoal making, making plum juice, etc.

Accomodation

All volunteer members stay together in a single large shared room of community center. Sleeping bag is not needed! Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns.

Requirements

Volunteers should prepare to work hard outside and have high motivation for work

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers have opportunities learning about "Minabe-Tanabe Ume system", which is a World Agricultural Heritage Site. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - None

Work

1) Cutting down trees in the forest and carry them out so that SATOYAMA forest receives enough amount of sun light and will be kept in the healthy condition for biodiversity. 2) Supporting Satoyama Kids weekend camp . 3)Volunteers may take care of free-range raised chickens. Volunteers sometimes work with mentally/physically challenged people who work at the same place. 3)Harvesting mushrooms

Partner

This project is actively working for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDGs 15 (Life on Land), organized together with "Akame no SATOYAMA wo Sodateru kai", a local environmental organization for conservation of SATOYAMA forest working in Nabari city since 1999. Because this area is relatively close to the big cities between Osaka and Nagoya, there were plans to build a golf field and a disposal center. However, the local people stopped those plans by collecting donations and buying the land. SATOYAMA needs to be maintained by humans for its biodiversity and water adjustment function. Our ancestors had protected and utilized the forest in an ecological and sustainable way, which has been neglected by modernization at many places in Japan.

Location

Workcamp is held in Kami-mitani area, Nabari city, Mie prefecture, about 60 km from Osaka. There are famous falls nearby that many hikers visit. Other activities - Hiking, Visiting Nara prefecture on free day etc.

Accomodation

Volunteers will stay in a regular Japanese house. Meals will be cooked by volunteers by turns. Sleeping bag is NO need. The bath is a traditional style where we heat the water ourselves using firewood.

Requirements

Strong motivation and physical strength are highly needed. Motivation letter is required.

Notes:

Study theme - Volunteers will acquire the knowledge of conservation work in SATOYAMA forest. Participation fee - 18,000 JPY (100 EUR by the rate on 2025 Nov. 3rd) of "NICE Volunteers" fee need to be paid in advance either by Card or PayPal. This is used for the project preparation/ coordination such as the transportation of the staff/ camp leaders, visa invitation cost, publications, etc. while the meals and the accommodation are provided by the local host by free (so, your fee is not used for those things!). Other - None