About
The Massaciuccoli Oasis, located in the Chiarone Nature Reserve within the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Regional Park in Tuscany, Italy, was established in 1985. Managed by the Italian League for the Protection of Birds (LIPU/BirdLife Italia), it has evolved into a center for conservation welcoming over 40,000 visitors annually. The Oasis focuses on habitat protection, bird monitoring, and biodiversity conservation, aiming to preserve Lake Massaciuccoli’s unique ecosystems through research, education, and volunteer involvement in protecting rare species and promoting sustainability.
Main Activities
Lipu is responsible for environmental planning and management of the Reserve, maintenance of visitor facilities, and monitoring of flora and fauna. It also manages tourism activities and handles environmental education through organizing events, summer camps, and implementing educational projects in local schools.
Location
Massaciuccoli is a village on the eastern shore of Lake Massaciuccoli, located in the municipality of Massarosa in the Province of Lucca, Tuscany. The lake is the largest in Tuscany and lies on the coastal plain between Pisa and Viareggio.
Lake Massaciuccoli is a shallow coastal lake — its depth seldom exceeds 2–3 meters — the remnant of an ancient lagoon formed by the delta of the River Serchio. It is surrounded by reed beds, marshes, and hygrophilous woodland, and constitutes one of the most important wetland ecosystems in Italy thanks to its rich biodiversity. The area around Massaciuccoli has deep historical roots: on the eastern shore lies the archaeological site of Villa dei Venulei, a Roman-era villa complex dating back to the 1st century CE. Visitors can see remains of ancient thermal baths and a well-preserved floor mosaic depicting marine animals — tangible reminders of the region’s Roman past.
Accomodation
Volunteers will share a room with other volunteers.
