Climate Change & Coral Bleaching research
Coordinator | Graeme
Coordinator | Graeme
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Contribute to coral reef recovery research, learn about threats to coral reefs, and contribute to protecting Fiji’s marine resources.
Earn the PADI Coral Reef Research Diver speciality.
Submerge yourself in the warm turquoise waters of the South Pacific and witnessing the spectacle of underwater life in this tropical region while honing your diving skills.
Stay, for the entire duration of your program, in the Dawasamu District of Fiji
Live and work with a team of marine conservation and diving experts as well as international participants from all over the world.
Assist with marine conservation initiatives, like surveying corals for recovery after previous coral bleaching events and tropical storms
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+
Contribute to coral reef recovery research and other marine conservation initiatives in the Dawasamu District, Fiji. Learn about threats facing corals worldwide and specifically in Fiji. Assist with marine conservation initiatives, like surveying corals for recovery after previous coral bleaching events and tropical storms, assisting with beach or ocean floor plastic pollution clean ups, and environmental education with the local community.
This project gives volunteers around the world an opportunity to contribute to key marine conservation objectives identified by local Fijian organisations.
This project gives volunteers around the world an opportunity to contribute to key marine conservation objectives identified by local Fijian organisations.
International volunteers do not have to have previous experience, simply a keen interest in marine conservation, snorkeling, and diving.
Increasing Employability - Pre Departure Program Training:
Our programs are not only life-changing experiences but are also designed to help participants increase their employability. We have developed a curriculum to be completed prior to arrival in the country in order to ensure that more time is dedicated to program work once you commence your volunteer program.
Eight weeks prior to your start date, you will complete the following online courses in preparation for your in-country program:
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
- PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
- OPTIONAL: MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
In order to obtain a certificate for the Marine Conservation course which is endorsed by the University of Richmond and UNC Charlotte, you will need to complete quizzes & assignments and will be given 4 weeks post program to submit your work.
If you are looking to travel in less than 8 weeks from now, you will still complete the course however this will be done in country and all content will need to be downloaded before arrival.
Health & Hygiene:
The work we contribute to across the globe remains important and new measures allow our participants to continue to join our programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. Changes to our existing protocols have been made by our health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities. Please inquire for more information on the protocols.
Activities
Marine Conservation
Sea Turtle Conservation
Diving
Coral Reef
Marine Conservation
Green Sea Turtle
Typical day
As a volunteer you will be doing at least 1 -2 dives or snorkels a day. The health of coral reefs ensure the sustainability of an important global food source, namely fish. Corals act like nurseries of the underwater kingdom, providing juvenile fish species with a sheltered environment to grow to their adult sizes. In coastal regions and island nations, like Fiji, fish is central to the local diet. In addition, the fishing industry supports the international economy and national markets, like that of island nations like Fiji. In traditional Fijian communities, the ocean is also a source of building materials. Much of the funds supporting economies of island nations and largely coastal regions, come from tourists looking to experience the vibrant underwater worlds of these areas first-hand. Hard corals specifically, also protect equatorial regions like Fiji from tropical storms.
Depending on the needs of the local partner organisations at the time, you may also take part in other important marine conservation projects like beach cleans or ocean floor clean ups and environmental education programs in local schools or with community groups. In this way, this program allows volunteers to directly address United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14, Life Below Water.
Other threats to coral reefs include unsustainable fishing practices like overfishing, bottom trawling, and electrofishing. Plastic pollution is another threat. Research has shown that plastic on the reef increases the risk of diseases for corals and that corals often consume microplastics.
Depending on the needs of the local partner organisations at the time, you may also take part in other important marine conservation projects like beach cleans or ocean floor clean ups and environmental education programs in local schools or with community groups. In this way, this program allows volunteers to directly address United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14, Life Below Water.
Other threats to coral reefs include unsustainable fishing practices like overfishing, bottom trawling, and electrofishing. Plastic pollution is another threat. Research has shown that plastic on the reef increases the risk of diseases for corals and that corals often consume microplastics.
Your time on project will be spent researching coral bleaching and contributing to efforts to restore and regrow coral nurseries.
Free-time activities
In your down time you will be free to travel in the local area and you will be free on the weekends. In this time you could do day trips such as dolphin watching, visiting other islands, scuba diving, or relaxing in a near by resort. You could travel to the capital city of Suva, take a ferry to Taveuni - 'the garden of Fiji' or explore the interior of VitiLevu– the possibilities are endless!
We also include local/cultural activities once a week for up to 8 weeks.
These activities may include:
- Learn to cook iTaukei food
- Make a traditional drink from kava root
- Learn indigenous plant medicine
- Hike to the top of Tova Peak
- Fish with iTaukei women
- Weave a traditional mat
- Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park
- Boat to Leleuvia Island
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (intermediate level)
required
PADI Medical form and Medical Form
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
PADI Open Water certificate (or equivalent) if joining for 4 weeks
Competent Swimmer (200m). Volunteers will normally be diving or snorkelling twice daily.
Competent Swimmer (200m). Volunteers will normally be diving or snorkelling twice daily.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff provided online 8 weeks prior to program start:
- PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
- PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
- OPTIONAL: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
- Certification and summary of training and experience received
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Welcome meeting
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- Flights
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Medical and travel insurance
- Personal dive kit, e.g. mask, fins, wetsuit, timer etc.
- Personal items and toiletries
- Police or background check
- Visa costs (where necessary)
Airport pick up is included and we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you.
Accomodation on our Caqalai base is just a few meters away from the water, providing participants with a once in a lifetime experience. Participants are traditionally housed in dorm rooms for the duration of their stay, with shared bathrooms facilities and communal relaxation and social areas.
Bungalow
The core of Fijian cuisine consists of taro, rice, cassava, coconut and fish. Participants take it in turns to prepare meals for the group as a whole, which is all part of living on a GVI base. Food consists of primarily a vegetarian diet, though meat is provided on base roughly once per week. Breakfast varies, but could include porridge, fruit or toast, and lunch and dinner are a mixture of lentils, beans and vegetables with pasta, rice, noodles, roti, cassava or dalo.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Nausori Airport (SUV) in Suva. We assist you to find cheap flights to Fiji.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Fiji provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Fiji you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Fiji.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
2022
- 08 Jan 2022
- 22 Jan 2022
- 05 Feb 2022
- 19 Feb 2022
- 05 Mar 2022
- 19 Mar 2022
- 02 Apr 2022
- 16 Apr 2022
- 30 Apr 2022
- 14 May 2022
- 28 May 2022
- 11 Jun 2022
- 25 Jun 2022
- 09 Jul 2022
- 23 Jul 2022
- 06 Aug 2022
- 20 Aug 2022
- 03 Sep 2022
- 17 Sep 2022
- 01 Oct 2022
- 15 Oct 2022
- 29 Oct 2022
- 12 Nov 2022
- 26 Nov 2022
- 10 Dec 2022
2023
- 07 Jan 2023
- 21 Jan 2023
- 04 Feb 2023
- 18 Feb 2023
- 04 Mar 2023
- 18 Mar 2023
- 01 Apr 2023
- 15 Apr 2023
- 29 Apr 2023
- 13 May 2023
- 27 May 2023
- 10 Jun 2023
- 24 Jun 2023
- 08 Jul 2023
- 22 Jul 2023
- 05 Aug 2023
- 19 Aug 2023
- 02 Sep 2023
- 16 Sep 2023
- 30 Sep 2023
- 14 Oct 2023
- 28 Oct 2023
- 11 Nov 2023
- 25 Nov 2023
- 09 Dec 2023
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$4,082
4 weeks
$5,227
6 weeks
$6,535
8 weeks
$7,516
10 weeks
$8,660
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$9,750
Average fees
$1,427
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
GVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Climate Change & Coral Bleaching research
Assist with marine conservation initiatives, like surveying corals for recovery after previous coral bleaching events and tropical storms
$1309/week
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