Volunteer on the SEED Madagascar Conservation Programme

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Volunteer with the SEED Madagascar Conservation Programme on the tropical island of Madagascar to carry out vital conservation work for the protection of Madagascar's unique and fragile environment.

The Conservation Programme offers volunteers the chance to get involved in all aspects of conservation work in Madagascar; from researching endangered and endemic flora and fauna to educating children in local communities about the environment, you'll be an active member of a specialist team committed to preserving Madagascar's threatened ecosystems. Through this work you'll also gain an understanding of the holistic way in which SEED approaches conservation. Volunteers acquire skills and vocational experience invaluable for anyone studying biology or conservation, or looking to pursue a career in these areas.

Volunteers can choose from two core modules which cover the different aspects of this conservation work, although you can expect to do elements of both during your time in Madagascar. These 2-week modules in Lemur and Biodiversity Research and Community Conservation can be taken individually, or combined, so individual programmes can be between 2 to 10 weeks long. Whilst you are welcome to stay for just one module, the program has been planned so that volunteers may combine modules to stay longer and get a real overview of the integrated way this project approaches the conservation of biodiversity.

No prior experience or knowledge is required - though the programme will most likely appeal to those with an interest in ecology and in particular for those perhaps considering a career in zoology, animal care or conservation.

This is a very special programme that offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable conservation skills and experience as well as make a significant contribution towards helping one of the world's most threatened and remarkable biodiversity hot spots.

Where you'll live
Camping facilities are provided for volunteers throughout their stay, although longer-term volunteers need to provide their own tents! Facilities are basic, especially when working in rural areas, and volunteers should be prepared for a programme that involves early morning rises, working in the evenings, physical exertion, adventurous road journeys and long hikes to reach remote and beautiful project sites. This will give you a real insight into the amazing diversity of the Malagasy landscape.

Costs
We ask volunteers to raise a minimum donation of $1000 (£795) for the first 2-week module, $750 for the second 2-week module and $500 for all further 2-week modules. All funds raised by volunteers are a direct charitable donation to SEED Madagascar (UK Registered Charity No. 1079121) with over 92% of this donation being spent directly on SEED's projects.

This donation will 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. There is also a full-time London-based staff member to answer all your pre-project questions and help with fundraising. Pre-project costs such as flights, visa, insurance, personal equipment, medical preparations and vaccinations are not included in this donation and amount to around $1,000.

Don't let the size of the required donation put you off! SEED Madagascar is there to support volunteers in raising this donation, with a wealth of fundraising experience and resources available to volunteers.

If you would like to be involved in this unique project or find out more about SEED Madagascar and the Conservaiton Programme please visit our website:

www.madagascar.co.uk

Any questions can be directed to Sue Beaumont at info@seedmadagascar.org.

Thanks for your time and we hope to hear from you soon!

Further Information

Madagascar: A threatened 'Lost World'
Madagascar, situated off the east coast of Africa, is recognized as one of the planet's top conservation priorities. Around 80-90% of the island's plant and animal species are found nowhere else on earth. Many unique species have already been lost, whilst many others - including some as yet un-described by science - face extinction. Despite their biological significance, much remains to be discovered about the basic biology of lemurs. Research to gain a greater understanding of these prosimians and their natural habitat is of tremendous importance.

SEED Madagascar

SEED Madagascar is a UK registered charity (1079121) working in Madagascar in close partnership with a local Malagasy NGO implementing health, education, conservation, and sustainable livelihoods projects. We work in the Anosy region in the south-east of the island, a remote area that receives relatively little attention from larger charities or volunteering organisations. We pride ourselves on being first and foremost, a genuine grass roots NGO, developing our projects in direct response to expressed local need, in partnership and consultation with them. We offer 4 volunteering programmes, all supporting our sustainable development projects, with valuable input by volunteers resulting in tangible benefits to local communities. Volunteers are asked to contribute a donation to join our programmes and gain great experience in the field of international development.