ConservationMadagascar

The Conservation project aims to protect the fragile ecosystem by conducting valuable research into the region’s biodiversity which helps to drive a conservation strategy for future protection. 99% of amphibians, 96% of reptiles and 93% of mammals found in Madagascar are unique and found nowhere else on earth, so it’s a very exciting project to be part of with new species found every year!

Volunteers support the local team of researchers and conservation staff with their ongoing conservation work and your role will depend on the current research aims. Activities may include population, distribution and behaviour studies on:

• Lemurs - Southern Woolly Lemur, Brown Collared Lemur, Fat Tailed Dwarf Lemur and the Mouse Lemur which is endemic to the surrounding forest
• Flying fox bats
• Reptiles - including brookesia chameleons, leaf tailed geckos and many of other snakes, geckos, chameleons and lizards
• Birds - there are over 70 species in the local bird population, including the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher 
• Amphibians - including frogs found only in the local area
• Insects

In addition volunteers will help the conservation team on tasks including:

• Habitat mapping and data collection
• Plant studies, including monitoring and planting of endangered palms and fruit trees which are vital for lemurs
• Sustainable lobster fishery data collection (during lobster season)
• Long term reforestation projects - seed collection and planting
• Environmental education sessions for the community
• English language club
• Alternative livelihood community projects

The project is based in one of the last remaining examples of littoral forest habitat in the world and results from the team’s research are shared with the Malagasy government in order to promote the protection and conservation of the biodiversity-rich areas that are scheduled to be mined.

During your first few days you will have a project orientation which includes information about Madagascar, local customs and the project work which you will be involved in.

Working days and hours

Volunteers normally work 5-6 days a week, usually from 8am to 8/9pm. On a work day volunteers generally have a two hour lunch break to eat and relax at the research base. You may walk or take a local boat to each day’s project location. The journey from your camp site to the project site varies from around 5 minutes to 1 hour. Volunteers can choose which activities to get involved in each day, depending on their own abilities and areas of interest. 

In your free time you can relax or explore the local area and activities that South East Madagascar has to offer.

Other volunteers

There are normally 2-8 volunteers with a maximum of 15, who work alongside the local team, researchers and conservation staff.

Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award

This placement has been approved by the DofE as meeting the requirements for the Residential section of the Gold Award.

Volunteer reviews

Read about volunteer experiences and challenges in our Madagascar Conservation reviews.

Why are volunteers needed?

Rapid deforestation of the area is putting many species at risk of extinction. So with the help of volunteers, the team are able to conduct vital research on the littoral forest ecosystem, which is getting increasingly threatened and only a few patches remain in the whole of Madagascar. Research is often labour intensive and so volunteers are able to provide a valuable extra pair of hands to the long term research staff.

There has been very little research done into the biodiversity of the forest and so, with the help of volunteers, the team aim to document species, many of which may be new to researchers worldwide.

Volunteers’ time and work is not only valuable for the conservation of endangered species, but also for the Malagasy communities. Volunteers help to run the conservation clubs and assist in initiatives which empower local communities, raise awareness and protect the forest long term.

“For us here in this region, every extra volunteer means extra investment, extra employment and training, and a multitude of benefits.”
The Mayor of the region

Throughout the placement you will be predominantly based at the rural campsite, but will also stay a few days at a homestay.

• The rural camp is located near deserted beaches and tropical forests teeming with wildlife. There is no WIFI access. You will stay in your own tent which you can either bring from home or rent locally.
• The homestay is a local style house, located next to a stunning lake. It is a 40 minute walk or 10-15 minute drive from the town centre. WIFI access is available.

Meals

All main meals are included in your placement and are prepared for you by the local team. Here are typical examples of the food you will have:

• Breakfast – banana bread, porridge, bananas, dough balls, tea and coffee
• Lunch and dinner – Rice or pasta with beans, lentils and vegetables. There is occasionally meat, fish and eggs. 

Fruit and simple snacks can be purchased locally. 

Vegetarians and vegans are welcomed and can be catered for.

Drinking water is provided throughout your placement.

Based in a tropical forest and surrounded by coastal fishing community, volunteers often spend their free time at the beach, walking to local markets or (electricity permitting) enjoying a film night on the team’s projector. Other free time activities that volunteers regularly enjoy include playing guitar, card games, dominoes and word games or just relaxing with a book in a hammock at the rural camp site. New games and activities are always appreciated too!

The research team usually spends 3-4 weeks based in the rural camp and then returns to the town for a few days off to relax before travelling back to the rural camp. Whilst in town, volunteers can visit Nahampoana wildlife reserve which is on the outskirts of Fort Dauphin and is a great opportunity to see the diverse ecosystems of Southern Madagascar including many lemur species that are unique to the region. For those with 2 or 3 days free, Berenty Reserve is also well worth a visit for a chance to experience the unique spiny forest, octopus trees, ring tailed and ‘dancing’ sifaka lemurs – famous for being a film location for a David Attenborough documentary. The Berenty trip is best booked in advance whilst most other activities can be booked locally once you are at the project. 

Travelling in Madagascar before or after your placement

Madagascar is an incredibly diverse island off the South West coast of Africa and a perfect destination for intrepid travellers. It is home to thousands of animal and plant species which are found nowhere else on else including the famous lemurs, aye-ayes and fossas.

Popular places to visit in Madagascar include:

• Nosy Be
• Avenue of the Baobabs
• One of the many unique National parks – including Tsingy de Bemaraha and Isalo

To find out more see: Lonely Planet Madagascar

Ben

“An amazing experience. We were constantly surrounded by wildlife of all sorts. The guides were remarkable, both due to their extensive knowledge of the forest and their friendly nature. I have learnt a lot from them and also the research assistants and other volunteers. The locals were very welcoming and their ability to produce delicious meals on an open fire with little more than rice and beans still impresses me.

Most rewarding was knowing that if successful the research we were helping with would make an immense difference to the locals and the wildlife. Also the club A followed by an entire day of football.”

Patrica

“This holiday was the best I had in my life. I will definitely repeat this kind of holiday. I learned a lot about the environment, animals and the culture but also a lot about myself. Being able to combine a little bit of travelling through Madagascar before the volunteering started was the perfect mix. I only regret not being able to stay longer. Everything was perfect. Research, people, support, camping, free time. All in all perfect balance and definitely did not feel like work.

The project in my opinion is a huge benefit to the local community as both the locals as well as the research staff work hand in hand as best as possible. The education about the nature is not one party teaching the other but rather both teaching each other with local guides who know the area inside out even in the dark and with the research staff teaching children how to protect this area in a sustainable way.”

Megan

“My 4 weeks with the Conservation project were just amazing! The research into the wildlife was fascinating and will hopefully help protect the amazing endemic species found there in the future. Watching lemur behaviour and finding chameleons and geckos by night will definitely stay with me for the rest of my life!

The programme also allowed me to interact with the local community by teaching the children about the forest and English lessons. So much fun and the community is so wonderful, always smiling and laughing! That is definitely one of the reasons I find the project fantastic, as they combine conservation and community work. I would definitely recommend to anybody wanting an experience of a lifetime!!!”

Monique

“I spent ten weeks volunteering in the SE of Madagascar. The charity creates the perfect environment for their volunteers to experience the reality of life in the poorest area of the country while maintaining safety and fun. The money really goes where it should!

The staff were extremely energetic and passionate, they are patient and generous and are reason enough to want to go back for a visit (trust me there are 1000 other reasons). The volunteer scheme was diverse, ensuring it never became repetitive or boring and allowing everyone’s strengths to shine at some point. The communities were gorgeous and the people so welcoming. I felt safer there than I often do in my hometown.”

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