Objective

The ecovolunteer programme "Meet the Dolphins of Korinthiakos Gulf" aims at raising public awareness regarding the value of dolphins and the marine environment, as well as the dangers they face. Concurrently, this programme is the primary source of support and funding for the scientific research needed (see Korinthiakos Gulf Dolphin Project) for the better understanding of the complex dolphin communities of the Korinthiakos Gulf. Furthermore, the ecovolunteer programme offers participants the opportunity to meet the four most common species of dolphins of the Mediterranean Sea.

One day with the dolphins of Korinthiakos Gulf!

The programme's field base is located right on the coast of Korinthiakos Gulf, at Lykoporia village. Ecovolunteers and researchers live and work in the field base, while fieldwork is conducted with the programme's inflatable boat.
A typical day starts with breakfast at the field base and the final equipment and supplies check. Then the team leaves and starts actively looking for the dolphins using specific visual methods. Once the dolphins are sighted and approached, the process of identifying the species, counting the individuals, photographing them and logging their course with the aid of the GPS begins. Depending on the conditions and the research needs, the team stays with the dolphins, or moves on in search of other dolphins. At some point at noon the team stops for a light lunch and in the afternoon returns to the field base for rest. While at the field base, there is time for swimming, walking around and relaxing. During the evening, the ecovolunteers become more informed about cetaceans and the research methods used, by attending lectures, printed material and video documentaries.

The ecovolunteers must be interested in all aspects of the expedition and display a positive attitude. They should keep in mind that they are participating in a scientific research project, where some factors cannot be foreseen (e.g. change of route or working hours).




Requirements

The ecovolunteers should be in good health and in satisfactory physical condition so as to endure the prolonged stay on the boat, where conditions are not always ideal. Needless to say, ecovolunteers should be able to swim.
Ecovolunteers should be at least 18 years old.

The ecovolunteer's baggage

Absolutely essential for all ecovolunteers are: a hat, sunblock, sunglasses, a towel, and a light long-sleeved shirt for the first days of exposure to the sun. A camera, binoculars, walkman, guitar and books are optional.

Insurance

All participants are insured in the case of an accident at no additional cost. The inflatable is also equipped with all the necessary survival equipment and a complete first aid kit.

Arrival

One can take the "KTEL" bus from Athens to Lykoporia direct, or through Xylokastro (Korinthos "KTEL" bus station tel. 01-5150220) or the train from Athens to Lykoporia (train station tel. 01-5297777).

Important Notice

It should be noted that any audio or visual material (photographs, slides, video recordings, sound recordings etc) or scientific data obtained during the programme cannot be presented in the mass media or used for any commercial or scientific purpose.