MANGROVE VOLUNTEER

The old reef doctor volunteer programmes of EcoDiver, Research Assistant (RA), Mangrove, Aquaculture and RA DiveMaster Internships will not be running between 2022 and 2023. A new volunteer opportunity is launching soon: ‘The Reef Doctor Collaborative Research Initiative’. Details will be on the website by the end of November 2022, with the first expedition ready for a January 2023 start with flexible start dates throughout 2023.

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.

This volunteering programme allows you to contribute to coastal wetland research, management, and conservation at our neighbouring Honko project site in Ambondrolava. You will become an integral member of our small mangrove team that mainly comprises Malagasy nationals. Your work will help us improve our understanding of the dynamics and health of mangroves through data collection, such as flora and fauna monitoring and habitat mapping. You can also participate in active mangrove forest restoration and various social development initiatives.

We offer 1- to 3-month volunteering positions throughout the year. Space is limited to 2–4 people per month. We can also provide PADI dive training (from PADI Open Water up to Rescue Diver level, and a range of speciality 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. Enjoy a life changing experience, and return with incredible stories and memories!

 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).

Full details can be found by downloading our Mangrove Volunteer Programme Guide below.