Description

Kibbutz Lotan is a young community situated in the Arava Desert in the south of Israel, 55km north of Eilat, far away from urban Israel in a quiet area in beautiful desert surroundings. Lotan was established in 1983 by graduates of the Reform Jewish youth movements from Israel and overseas. Kibbutz Lotan maintains a co-operative lifestyle in which means of production and resources are shared.

This is a two week project where volunteers will spend the first week of the project studying creative ecological theories and techniques. During the second week of the project, volunteers will have hands on experience in the theories studied and a chance to put their new skills to the test.

Get a taste of the following subjects, taught through both theoretical and practical instruction:

* Local food production/Organic gardening
* Permaculture
* Ecological design techniques
* Natural/alternative building
* Sustainable technologies composting toilets, grey and black water purification systems, solar ovens, geodesic domes
* Community Design
* Environmental ethics

Just do it, as students are given the opportunity to practice their new skills at the Center for Creative Ecology's Ecological Education park, Eco Kef.

Highlights

Throughout the entire Eco-volunteering program students are encouraged to take part in cultural / religious events on the kibbutz and in the region that occur throughout the program. The program also integrates tours to local points of interest, neighboring kibbutzim and other ecological projects, and hikes in the region around Lotan. The Kibbutz has a pub open two nights a week and swimming pool to cool off in the afternoon (during summer). The tourist city of Eilat and the Red Sea are only 55 Km away.

Travel Types

• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Caving/Spelunking
• Climbing
• Cycling (Mountain)
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Geology
• Hiking
• Language Immersion
• Mountaineering
• Nature Tours
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving
• Overland Tours
• Safari
• Snorkeling
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Trekking
• Vacation Packages
• Volunteering

Qualifications

- Min age 18 - Max age 50
- Basic English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work in practical ecology
- Able to work in harsh desert climate
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,060

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

An ecologically and adventurous traveler who wants to explore, be immersed in, and give back something to the community. Head over to our blog to read first hand experiences from GoEco volunteers.

Age Range

18-50

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 3

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

GoEco - Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement

(1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.

Year Founded

2005