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| Viewing: Community Conservation Support in Madagascar |
Package ID: 1870 |
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| Community Conservation Support in Madagascar |
Volunteers on this project will work alongside an award-winning NGO implementing inventive ways to reduce pressure on forests while helping local people to live more sustainably.
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The Project
Madagascar is unique. Isolated for millions of years, the plants and animals of this ancient island are like nowhere else on earth. This project takes you to the heart of one of the major threats to Madagascar’s biodiversity, coming from the widespread clearance of land for firewood and charcoal production. Volunteers will work alongside an award-winning NGO implementing inventive ways to reduce pressure on forests while helping local people to live more sustainably. By assisting in the construction of "improved stoves" which use less firewood, volunteers will be helping to protect unique environments as well as helping to improve the health of village families. The stoves promoted are simple and can be made from local materials, namely mud, grass and zebu dung. The stove creates an enclosed cooking space which requires less firewood and shorter cooking times as heat is not dissipated. Health is improved as there is less chance of burns and smoke vents help reduce eye and lung problems. Improved stoves use 60% less firewood, which has a significant positive impact on both forests and livelihoods.
In the coastal village of Sainte Luce, where this project is based, the people are the stewards of two new protected areas of forest, which contain abundant wildlife and many unique endemic species. This program involves working together with local people to build improved stoves for each family in the region. This is the ideal project for those looking for complete cultural immersion as it involves working closely with local people in rural communities in some of the most beautiful parts of south-east Madagascar.
Sample Itinerary (3 week option also available)
Day 1: Arrive in Fort Dauphin. Time to settle in to the beautiful lake-side camp of Lanirano before enjoying welcome drinks to allow volunteers and staff to get to know one another.
Day 2: You will receive a detailed orientation about Madagascar, the Anosy region and local customs as well as a brief of the project you will be working on for the duration of your time in Madagascar. You will also have a chance to explore the town of Fort Dauphin and its beautiful beaches.
Day 3: A visit to Nahampona Reserve will allow you to get up close to several species of lemur including Verreauxs sifaka, ring tailed lemurs, and brown lemurs. In the afternoon you will travel to the stunning Indian Ocean side village of Sainte Luce, setting up camp on the edge of the forest.
Day 4-6: Led by members of the NGO’s sustainable livelihoods team, you will work closely with local families in the Sainte Luce region to promote the use of improved stoves. You will be involved in all aspects of the project, from collecting the materials required for the stove to educating local people as to their environmental, health and time-saving benefits.
Day 7: Day off to relax and enjoy an excursion to a local market, forest or beach.
Day 8-12: Stove building.
Day 13: Return to Fort Dauphin
Day 14: A day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Fort Dauphin before catching your flight home.
MINIMUM AGE 18
2009 Departure Dates: 18th Jan, 8th Feb, 12th Apr, 3rd May, 12th Jul, 2nd Aug, 11th Oct, 1st Nov
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