Become A Volunteer Reef Doctor

  Madagascar

Ifaty

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All throughout the year

Description: ReefDoctor is a small not-for-profit organization completing marine research, implementing marine management principles, community education and social development work with the local fishing communities of the Bay of Ranobe reef part of the 4th most important coral reef system in the world, the coral reef system of SW Madagascar.

ReefDoctor has opportunities for gap year students/post graduates and general enthusiastic people to support the project through our Volunteer ReefDoctor Program which is open to 4-8 people aged 18+, for 4, 6, 8 and12 week expeditions throughout the year.

Volunteers receive 1-2 weeks training in marine species identification, underwater survey techniques, marine biology principles, marine management and conservation principles and local community history and dynamics.

Volunteer ReefDoctors then become an integral part of our marine research and management projects undertaking snorkel and scuba based reef surveys, placing experiments in the lagoon (habitat restoration, coral spawning etc.), helping to survey and implement alternative artificial fishing habitats, Marine protected areas, fishermens daily catch, and mapping coral reef areas.

Other marine management work volunteers could participate in includes surveying of sea-grasses, sedimentation rates, studies of local shark and turtle fisheries, mangrove restoration studies and socio-economic surveys on the communities reliance on the reefs and associated reef organisms.

Our unique program however also allows volunteer ReefDoctors to be able to concentrate more on a particular aspect of our work not only the marine research and management but also the community education and social development side.

Community education work involves helping to raise awareness in the local communities on coral reef health issues, destructive fishing techniques and management issues. Help teach marine ecology, conservation practices and English to the local school children and children in our ReefDoctor Kids club.

Social development involves working with the womens association on hygiene, family planning, and alternative businesses e.g. forest honey, embroidery, local vegetable gardens, solar ovens etc.

Ultimately our goal is to involve volunteers in as much of our work as possible gaining an incredible experience in a country relatively untouched and seen by the west.
Become a volunteer ReefDoctor and take part in a unique opportunity to experience Madagascar, its people and culture, while contributing to marine conservation and sustainable community development.

Highlights:
* Free Dive Training to PADI Open water and Advanced Open Water

* Free Dive Training to PADI Rescue Diver and EFR for all volunteers taking part in a 12 week expedition

* Hiring dive equipment

Qualifications: Volunteers need to be:

* Enthusiastic and motivated to be involved in our work, no need to be a trained diver or have qualifications in the field. All training will be provided.

* As diving is an essential component of our research work, we need people to have a clean bill of health and to have completed a dive medical (provided upon application).

* Experience of living in basic conditions or travelling previously will aid your application however this is by no means a necessity as most volunteers have their first experience of Africa and living in simple accommodation etc with us.

* Volunteers must be over 18 years old.

Cost in US$: 4 weeks $1,867, 6 weeks $2,800, 8 weeks $3,734, 12 weeks $4,854

Expedition fee - covers all your food, water and fuel for diving (tank filling and boat engine), accommodation (its maintenance, repairs, bed sheets, mosquito nets, lighting, toilets and shower provision), project equipment, 1st Aid and medical provision, internet access on site and electricity through a generator (fuel) in the main staff house.

Training Fees one to two week intensive training course (science, diving etc.). Staff wages and their food, medical, water and fuel costs for project work.
However please note that these costs do not cover your return flight to Toliara SW Madagascar or insurance costs (diving medical, standard medical and dive equipment).

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Reef Doctor has received volunteers from across the globe: Canada to Singapore to Grimsby! Their professions and life styles have been wide ranging, from environmental planners to gap year students to teachers. Typically all volunteers are fun-loving with an enthusiasm for marine conservation and the sea. There is generally a strong team spirit and will to complete research, education, community development and conservation work.

Age Range: 18+ There are no limits!

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Madagascar Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 2000