Portugal's IPDJ launches youth volunteer projects for forest and heritage conservation

The Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth (IPDJ) is expanding its Voluntariado Jovem para a Natureza e Florestas programme. In Elvas, the project "Os fossos também têm vida" invites participants aged 14‑30 to document the biodiversity of the historic fortified walls, creating ecological surveys, walking routes and photographic exhibitions.

In the municipality of Ourém, the programme returns with a fire‑watch initiative, placing volunteers at three observation posts in Ortiga, Castelo de Ourém and Caxarias to detect early signs of forest‑fire risk during the summer. Volunteers receive a daily €13 allowance for meals and transport, personal accident and civil‑liability insurance, and opportunities to develop communication, cultural awareness and environmental skills.