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| Viewing: Volunteer on the Madagascar Conservation Project |
Package ID: 1608 |
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| Volunteer on the Madagascar Conservation Project |
Join the Madagascar Conservation Project to discover more about the lemur species and the conservation of forest habitats of tropical Madagascar
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Organisation
Voted "Best Volunteering Organisation" at the 2007 Responsible Tourism Awards, this is a UK registered charity and Malagasy NGO whose aim is to eradicate poverty, suffering and environmental damage in Madagascar. The organisation’s approach is one of co-operation and participation with local communities living in the southeast of the country and its work aims to alleviate the effects of poverty and to support viable, environmentally-sensitive development. The charity works for a better future for people, communities and the environments in which they live.
Project Location
Set in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island and is recognised as one of the planet's top conservation priorities. Eighty per cent of the island's plant and animal species (including 71 species of lemur) are found nowhere else on earth.
Volunteers will be working with the staff of the NGO in the Fort Dauphin region of the southeast of the country, an area which has been substantially deforested but retains fragments of some of the most important tropical forests in the world. The work of the conservation programme is focussed in the littoral forest which is a highly endangered coastal forest habitat.
Project Activities
This unique and innovative programme offers volunteers the opportunity to contribute to on-going conservation work in the critically endangered costal forests of southeast Madagascar, working alongside and awar-winning NGO and integrating conservation research with community based initiatives.
Volunteers can choose from five core options which cover the different aspects of this conservation work. These 2-week options in Lemur Study, Biodiversity Research, Reforestation Work, Environmental Education and Construction can be taken individually, or combined, so individual programmes can be between 2 to 10 weeks long and tailored to your interests and needs.
Whilst you are welcome to stay for just one 2-week module, the program has been planned so that volunteers may combine modules to stay longer and get a real overview of the holistic way this project approaches the conservation of biodiversity, or gain in-depth insight into one aspect of the work by taking one module for up to 10 weeks.
Lemur Study - you will investigate the impact of forest fragmentation on lemur populations, spending your days in the forest, and using a variety of research methods.
Biodiversity Research - you will contribute to the collection of data on various critically endangered species,
Reforestation work - you will spend your days working closely with the local communities whether it be tree planting, seed collection or encouraging the use of improved stoves
Environmental Education - you will assist in providing long-term environmental education for local schools, preparing and presenting lessons assisted by our partners and translators
This programme offers a fantastic opportunity for those wishing to gain field skills and experience in conservation projects on-the-ground in a developing country, or anyone wishing to contribute to vital conservation work alongside International and Malagasy specialists with a multi award-winning charity. Be prepared for adventurous journeys, long walks in remote forests and beautiful project sites. But rest assured the work is incomparably rewarding – we invite you to be more than a tourist!
Accommodation
You will camp in one of the most beautiful and remote sites in the Madagascar - St Luce, and you will wake up to deserted beaches and forests teeming with wildlife on your doorstep! Volunteers will camp for the duration of their placement, camping facilities are provided but you will need to bring your own tent if staying for more than 4 weeks.
When in Fort Dauphin, volunteers camp at the stunning lake-side site of Lanirano, which is fully equipped with flush toilets and showers as well as electricity for charging cameras, ipods, mobile phones etc. Laundry services are also available locally. Whilst working at the project site, in St Luce, the facilities will be more basic but there is always a latrine and private washing amenities. Water is primarily collected as rainwater and will be treated for drinking. Water for washing is available at the well located just beside the campsite.
Food
All meals are provided throughout the scheme. Meals mainly consist of rice, beans, vegetables and fruit. Fish (or eggs for vegetarians) are provided when possible. All meals are prepared and cooked by a cook who travels with the group, often in open-air facilities. The best possible treated drinking water is always available.
Departure Dates
There are on-going start dates for all modules options each month of the year throughout 2010. Programmes can be 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 weeks long depending on inidivdual needs.
Costs
£600: First 2-week module
£550: Second 2-week module
£500: All further 2-week modules
Don't let the size of the required fee you off! The Project Managers have a dedicated office to support volunteers, with a wealth of fundraising experience and resources including manuals, raffle tickets, posters, sponsor forms, online donation facilities, collection boxes and even a lemur suit!
The fee is essentially a donation to support the charitable work of the project. Funds generated by the programme support projects in Madagascar, with some 90% of all donations to being spent in direct pursuit of our charitable aims and provide vital support to our ongoing projects in the areas of health and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation.
The fee will also cover you for all in-country travel costs (excluding flights), project costs, training, meals and plenty of safe water, use of campsite facilities, orientation and language classes upon arrival and a dedicated team to guide you in Madagascar.
Travel Insurance
You must take out adequate travel and medical insurance to cover you for the activities and duration of the programme, and you have the option of taking out a comprehensive group insurance policy. Your insurance should include cover for emergency repatriation and work abroad.
Health
All volunteers must be vaccinated against Tetanus and Rabies and be taking a World Health Organisation recognized malaria prophylaxis in order to participate on the scheme. For other vaccination requirements, consult your current GP or travel clinic.
Visa Requirements
Volunteers will be required to apply for a 90 day visa from their nearest Madagascan Embassy or Consulate with support from the charity's staff in London.
Likely Weather Conditions
January to March – Hot and humid with rain.
April to July – Drier. Hot in April then growing noticeably cooler
July to September – Dry. Cold in July then growing noticeably warmer
October to December – Windy. Progressively hotter and more wet.
Equipment
An equipment list is provided. Key pieces include a tent (if going for more than 4 weeks), sleeping bag, rucksack, head torch and comprehensive medical kit.
Sorry this is not for Children - Minimum age is 18
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