Tidal Forests of Kenya

  Kenya

Rural

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates.

Description: Research Mission
Help restore important mangrove ecosystems.

Situation Report
Gazi Bay, Kwale District, Kenya - Mangrove forests are among the most productive wetland ecosystems on Earth. These tropical coastal woodlands provide crucial habitat, protect coral reefs from sedimentation, and, as demonstrated by the tsunami of 2004, play a critical role in protecting tropical coastlines. They are also one of the most threatened habitats. Historically, mangrove forests lined three-quarters of all tropical and subtropical coasts. Today, less than half of these forests remain, and an estimated 2 percent more are degraded each year for firewood, building materials, coastal development, and industrial shrimp fisheries. The community of Gazi Village, on the south Kenyan coast, is examining the ecosystem dynamics of replanted mangrove forests with the direction of Dr. Mark Huxham, Dr. James Kairo (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute), and Dr. Martin Skov (Southhampton University).

Meals and Accommodations
Your team will live in Gazi Village, staying in a shared village house, getting to know the village and immersing yourself in Kenyan culture. The houses have toilets and electricity, and provide bedding and mosquito nets. A cook will provide local food, including coconut curries and fresh seafood. Gazi Village is a quiet village, home to about 1000 people, and is close to beautiful beaches and impressive bird life.

Highlights: On the Expedition
You will live and work with local villagers to help conduct pioneering plantation experiments to rehabilitate degraded mangroves in Gazi Bay. In addition to planting mangrove seedlings on our two beach sites, you will also help monitor the effects of these plantations on rates of beach erosion and on the animals, particularly crabs and fish, dependent on them. The results will benefit the local fishing community, which relies on mangrove forests for wood products and fish habitat. You will also contribute to global efforts to restore dwindling mangrove forests and combat the effects of rising sea levels, as well as provide the first ever data on the use of mangrove forests as carbon sinks. On your day off, you can visit Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, where you can snorkel on a coral reef, watch dolphins, and tour historical sites.

Qualifications: Volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,646

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

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

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available. Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971