Mangrove Research Volunteer

~ Reef Doctor is a UK-based, non-profit organisation that has been conducting conservation and social development in southwest Madagascar for 15 years. ~

We marry conservation with social development by facilitating sustainable livelihoods and education as a countermeasure to over-exploitation. Our goal is to protect both marine and terrestrial habitats, and provide a self-sustaining pathway to poverty alleviation in the impoverished rural communities of Southwest Madagascar. We  have worked in the Bay of Ranobe for 15 years, establishing long-standing harmony and effective partnerships with local communities.

Internship Overview

• Are you passionate about tropical coastal ecosystems and conservation?
• Do you want to participate in the active research and management of threatened mangrove forests?
• Our mangrove volunteering programme is a new opportunity to join the Reef Doctor Honko project, assisting in the development of our conservation programme and in the implementation of alternative livelihoods for local villages.
  
• Contribute to mangrove research, conservation and management at the Reef Doctor Honko site in Ambondrolava.

We offer 1- to 3-month volunteering positions throughout the year. Space is limited to 2–4 people per month. This is an entry level position. 

Note: We can also provide PADI dive training (from PADI Open Water up to Rescue Diver level, and a range of specialty dive courses) at an additional cost at our marine research base in Ifaty.

As well as participating in ecological monitoring, you will get to experience community-based coastal management and conservation, and explore some of the amazing habitats of this mega biodiversity hotspot.

What to expect from the Mangrove Volunteer Programme:

• Mangrove monitoring and data collection.
• Mangrove planting & nursery trials.
• Fish catch survey and identification of species present in the mangrove channel.
• Maintenance work in the plant nursery and planting terrestrial trees around site.
• Assist with taking care of the garden and the project site in general.
• Develop material for outreach and educational programmes.
• Learn Malagasy Vezo language.
• Assist the women’s association in developing new skills, marketing, and accounting.
• Visit Reef Doctor’s aquaculture projects in the Bay of Ranobe, assist in a monthly sea cucumber sale.
• Help the education team involve Reef Doctor Juniors in projects where possible.
• Experience life living rustically alongside a traditional Malagasy coastal community and gain insight into the unique Vezo culture
• Gain first-hand experience of the workings of a conservation NGO.
• Enjoy exploring the local area; the popular beach resort, the Spiny Forest, or visit one of the regional National Parks (in your free time, at your own expense).

Note: For our programme guide and further information please click here.