Overview

ID: Spain - 2207, “Remote Communities”
Location: Sorbas, Almeria, Spain
Length: 10 Days

ABOUT the community PARTNER

The Community Partner has been operating a multifaceted project developing and experimenting with various topics from non-formal education, sustainability, biodiversity and self-sufficiency. The goal being research and education covering sustainable living, organic gardening and ecosystem restoration. The project is completely off grid and powered by appropriate low impact technologies.

The project runs on what the Community Partner describes as a Sociocracy. The photographer will live, eat and participate as a member of the team of staff and volunteers for the duration of the project. In addition to the stated goals of the project the story of the community itself is also a major feature of interest in this assignment.

assignment DETAILS

This will take place in a semi-arid desert in Spain and staying in a remote community. The project is based in a tiny village with the nearest town some 6 or 7 kilometres away. The ancient Andalusian village has a long historical background and is within the boundaries of a Spanish Natural Park. Electricity is provided by solar panels, a nearby water source is providing water for daily use and natural water treatments are used for sewage. With around 50 inhabitants it is a place of different creative projects.

Sustainable Living department

The name of the Community Partner is derived from the homemade bread and jam, to natural cosmetics and cleaning products produced in-house, the Sustainable Living department demonstrates the use of local, sustainable products. Ensuring the smooth running of the project's low impact lifestyle which also maintains our vegetarian and non-chemical policy.

Organic Gardens department

The Organic Gardens department uses techniques that work with nature to create a regenerative ecosystem and food abundance. The project grows its own organic fruits and veg, reducing food miles whilst promoting practical self-sufficiency.

Ecosystem restoration department

Through observation of natural ecosystems the Drylands Management department aims to understand the processes of desertification, experimenting with methods to combat land degradation, improve soil quality, restore the local vegetation, and implement innovative water management technologies

Appropriate Technology department

The Appropriate Technology department promotes innovation in the use of available technologies to reduce our impact on the environment. Appropriate Technology maintains the solar and water systems, whilst focusing on innovating and researching biogas, solar energy and bicycle-powered machines.

Eco-maintenance

The Eco-maintenance department demonstrates ecologically-friendly building techniques and natural alternatives to dangerous modern construction practices. A mix of traditional and local ecological building methods and materials are used.

Education

A big part of the Community Partner's mission is to provide a flexible and inspiring learning process. From hosting Erasmus programs and Youth Exchanges, to establishing contacts with universities, organizing transformative courses and visits from local schools, the Education department is the engine that keeps the project full of people learning and experiencing sustainability practices.

IMPACT GOALS

This Assignment will help to advance the organizations practical work to promote close cycles, the use of solar energy, self-sufficiency in terms of food growth, protection of the soil from erosion, and promotion of a vegetarian diet, and the use of low impact technology.

Desirable

  • Although English is the main language some Spanish language skills would be helpful.

Essential

  • Willingness to live as part of the community, live off-grid and (if not already vegetarian) adopt the vegetarian and chemical free lifestyle for the duration of the project.

    • Reasonable physical fitness due to the topography of the project and the surrounding landscape

assignment costs

$2,768.00 USD

Click here to learn about what costs cover. Don’t worry, you can fundraise to cover these and other approved costs on our platform.

APPLY

Please note: only PWB Members can apply for assignments. If you are not a member yet, sign up here.

OTHER open assignments