Overview
Conservation Work in Madagascar

This conservation work project takes you to volunteer in the frontline of sustainable development in Madagascar for a multi award-winning charity. Laying in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, and contains fascinating cultures, beautiful beaches and exceptional biodiversity, with 80% of its wildlife occurring nowhere else on earth. Yet sadly, much of the country's population lives in extreme poverty and these outstanding habitats are increasingly threatened by deforestation and development. Applicants are needed for a minimum of five weeks to work environmental, humanitarian and development projects in and around Fort Dauphin in the South of the island.

Coming to this most unique of African destinations gives you the opportunity for extraordinary wildlife research and to be a part of vital conservation and sustainable development efforts.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I had an amazing experience, met some lovely people and learnt a lot about problems facing people in Madagascar and what can be done to help.

Eve Hadshar, 2007 volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Madagascar is one of the world’s top conservation priorities. Eighty percent of its plant and animal species are found nowhere else on earth, but poverty poses an enormous threat. With 70% of the population below the poverty line and little access to clean drinking water, help is needed now. In the past five years, pioneers working with established teams have increased access to water and sanitation by 30%. Thousands of trees have been planted, schools have been built in remote communities and income-generating projects, such as beehives and vegetable gardens, have spread across the region.

Highlights

Work with experienced development and conservation professionals on the ground; working in remote areas with impoverished local communities on projects that they have requested; getting the chance to sample a wide range of project initiatives, from building schools to working with scientists planting critically endangered palms; getting fantastic vocational experience in sustainable development; having a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating Malagasy culture.

Location

Set in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar - the world's fourth largest island - has a colourful and unique human culture, as well as breathtaking natural scenery and flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth (some 80% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic to the island).

Field Conditions

Volunteers camp for the duration of the scheme in some of the most beautiful campsites in the world. Food is simple, but tasty and nutritionally balanced. Whilst working in the remoter villages, toilets are 'long drop' and showers are cold; while at the campsite in Fort Dauphin, conditions are less basic and electricity is available. Volunteers should be prepared for physical work, adventurous road journeys, and sometimes long walks to reach remote and beautiful project sites. The work and lifestyle is challenging, but incomparably rewarding. You will be both part of a team and part of an interface with the local community, with its fascinating culture.