Blue Ventures Conservation Madagascar

  Madagascar

Andavadoaka

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: Volunteers take part in all parts of expedition life from science through survey diving to cooking and camp maintenance.

Highlights: In Spring 2003, Blue Ventures Conservation established its new permanent field research site between the villages of Andavadoaka and Ampasilava, some 250km North of Toliara and 45km South of Morombe in Southwest Madagascar. The research team will be based in a group of self-contained luxury wooden cabins beside a remote white sand beach from which our boats are launched.

The Andavadoaka reefs are found at the northern end of the reef system that stretches continuously north from the village of Anakao, south of the regional capital Toliara, a total distance of almost 350km. The small fishing villages of Andavadoaka and Ampasilava lie on the edge of a shallow lagoon, protected from the open ocean by the reefs. In addition to the extensive fringing reefs, several banks rise up in the lagoon, and a series of uninhabited offshore islets and submerged barrier reefs also support substantial coral growth, providing a vital resource base for local traditional and artisanal fisheries.

The marine habitats of Andavadoaka are still absolutely unknown and no baseline data exist. The main objective of the Blue Ventures Conservation research program in the area is to survey and chart the un-explored coral reefs of the region, studying their biodiversity and health, and assessing the potential threats to these unknown ecosystems.

Qualifications: Volunteer training is provide on site from Science training to dive training. We ask that volunteers have a genuine interest in making a difference within the field of marine conservation and sustainable development.

Cost in US$: From $2,250 for 3 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Blue Ventures Conservation accepts all volunteers regardless of physical ability (some medical tests must be passed if to participate in diving surveys). We are working with Access to Marine Conservation for All International to provide inclusive marine expeditions. Typical participants are range from those leaving school through university leavers and young professionals to the matured traveler.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Madagascar Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of in groups of 18

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Blue Ventures's Mission Statement: To give coastal communities the knowledge and skills they need to live sustainably.

Year Founded: 2001