Following the feedback received in response to the call launched on the 7th of December 2016, the Commission has decided to publish a second call for proposals to support the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). The scope of supported activities will be environmental protection, nature conservation and restoration of natural areas and ecosystems, mainly the Natura 2000 network.

For this second call some requirements have been modified, e.g. the minimum number of volunteers to be engaged in the ESC is one hundred and the execution period may last up to three years (36 months).

LIFE Preparatory projects to support deployment of European Solidarity Corps (sub-programme for Environment) contribute to strengthening the Union's capacity to provide volunteering services for young people across the European Union. It focuses mainly on conservation of Natura 2000 sites, environmental protection, restoration of natural areas and ecosystems and on capacity building on voluntary services among ongoing LIFE projects.

The call is open until 25 August 2017.

With the new European Solidarity Corps, participants will have the opportunity to be placed with a project either for volunteering or for a traineeship, an apprenticeship or a job. Participants will be able to engage in a broad range of activities such as education, health, social integration, assistance in the provision of food, shelter construction, reception, support and integration of migrants and refugees, environmental protection or prevention of natural disasters. Young people registering for the European Solidarity Corps will need to subscribe to the European Solidarity Corps Mission Statement and its Principles. Each participating organisation will need to adhere to the European Solidarity Corps Charter, setting out the rights and responsibilities during all stages of the solidarity experience.

As of today, interested young people between 17 and 30 can register with the European Solidarity Corps.

> LIFE 2014-2020 – Climate action, awarded 26 action grants

Photo credit: Mount Rainier NPS via Foter.com / CC BY