Every year, through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme, we have the opportunity to meet many interesting and inspiring young people who want to actively contribute to nature conservation. This year, three volunteers are joining us: Lana Iremadze from Georgia, Alice Desai from Belgium, and Izabela Barišić from Croatia. Through the project Volunteer for Nature 2026, they will take part in bird field research, monitoring of endangered species, education activities, and public outreach. Get to know them!
Hi, I’m Alice!
Coming from a humanities academic background, and with a life-long passion for nature, volunteering at Biom through the European Solidarity Corps is an amazing opportunity to gain fieldwork experience in nature conservation and engage with my interest in environmental anthropology through a different lens. Having grown up in the European capital city of Brussels, working alongside teams of international volunteers and colleagues feels both natural and culturally enriching. I look forward to making the most out of this experience, from which I have much to learn, whether on a personal, practical or professional level.
Bok! I am Lana from Georgia.
My connection with nature began at an early age — I have always felt a special closeness to it. That is why I decided to pursue my studies in Ecology and Biodiversity. I have always wanted to discover something new, learn more about the natural world, and be part of a project that provides practical knowledge. I believe Biom is exactly the place that will give me this opportunity. Even though I have not been here for long, I can already see how much time, energy, and enthusiasm goes into every project. My previous experience is related to mammal monitoring. For me, this process is an art of patience — observing species from a distance and noticing details that are invisible at first glance.
These nine months at Biom will not only bring new experiences, but will also be an important step in my professional journey and strengthen my commitment to protecting nature.
Hi, I’m Izabela!
My love for nature and animals began at a very young age. I spent my summers with my grandparents in their vineyard, surrounded by forests, birds, and tiny tree frogs. My days were filled with exploring nature, rolling in the grass, and making little muddy potions. That love stayed with me and grew stronger over the years, eventually leading me to complete my bachelor’s degree in Zagreb at the Faculty of Agriculture, and later my master’s degree at Utrecht University in Ecology and Natural Resource Management.
I had always hoped to return to Croatia after finishing my studies, which is why volunteering with Biom through the European Solidarity Corps felt like such a natural step for me. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain more experience in fieldwork, bird identification, GIS, educational workshops, and many other projects Biom is involved in. What makes this experience especially meaningful to me is the chance to reconnect with Croatian nature, landscapes, and species I grew up with, and to contribute to their conservation in my own way in the future.
We look forward to Alice, Lana, and Izabela gaining wonderful experiences through our activities!
