The Autonomous National Parks Agency of the Ministry of the Environment is once again launching its Volunteering Program in Protected Natural Areas, in which around 1,200 people will participate.

The program will allow these people to carry out environmental, archaeological and public use volunteer activities throughout the year in the National Parks Network, as well as in other spaces, farms and centers attached to the Autonomous Organization of National Parks (OAPN). The estimated cost of the program is 850,000 euros, financed entirely from the budget of the Autonomous Agency for National Parks.

Following the success of the National Parks Volunteering Action Plan, which has involved the participation, since it began in 2002, of 13 environmental and cultural associations and 6,894 volunteers, the National Parks Autonomous Agency has published its 2007 Volunteering Programme, which aims to promote social participation linked to the preservation of protected natural areas by achieving effective volunteering in its interventions and committed to the development of an environmental ethic that promotes the protection of the environment.

From August 1 until the end of the year, in collaboration with various non-governmental organizations, different programs of bird censuses, water analysis, forest restorations, environmental education and awareness, archaeological excavations, and rehabilitation of trails will be developed.