The first Volunteering Camp of EUNICE European University, under the theme “Biodiversity and Risk Management”, was promoted by the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV) as part of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), in partnership with the University of the Peloponnese (UoP) and Karlstad University (KAU). Held from July 7th to 21st in Portugal, the camp brought together students of various nationalities with a shared goal: to learn, collaborate, and take action for environmental sustainability.
Through workshops, technical visits, training sessions and intercultural moments, participants deepened their understanding of biodiversity preservation, wildfire prevention and environmental risk management, working directly with local experts, researchers, and institutions.
For Aninda Bhowmik, a master’s student at the University of Vaasa (Finland) originally from Bangladesh, the experience stood out for the opportunity to connect his interest in technology with the environmental challenges explored on site:
“At first, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I quickly realized the potential to apply artificial intelligence, data analytics, and technological systems to everything I observed here. I was especially impressed by the video surveillance system at the Viseu fire station and how they monitor wildfires using cameras and GIS mapping,” he shared.
Fieldwork
Artemiy Blokhin, a student from Brandenburg University of Technology (Germany), highlighted the spirit of cultural exchange and community as one of the most impactful aspects of the experience:
“We formed a community with people from different countries, cultures, and languages. We shared traditions, learned from each other, and also discovered innovative technologies like fog water collectors and environmental monitoring systems that we might apply in our own countries.”
For Hippolyte Sys, a student from the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, the balance between theory and practice was a defining feature of the camp:
“We did fieldwork, studied pests affecting pine trees, investigated mushroom species, and explored mountain ecosystems. This variety of experiences taught us not only about biodiversity, but also about the importance of adaptation and collaboration for a more sustainable future.”
Throughout the programme, the students visited several municipalities in the region – Viseu, Mangualde, Seia, Vila Nova de Paiva – and worked with the support of local entities such as the Volunteer Firefighters of Mangualde, Mangualde City Council, CIM Viseu Dão Lafões, ICNF, GNR, and Civil Protection of Viseu, among others.
The project, hosted by the School of Agriculture of Viseu (ESAV), stood out for promoting international cooperation, applied science, and environmental awareness among young people from different countries and academic backgrounds.
