from 1,403€

Outstanding 4.9rating (19)

Marine Conservation & Restoration Assistant

location
2 - 6 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Get hands on field experience through lectures and practical training in marine research and conservation techniques and protocols from highly qualified professional marine biologists
  • Unlimited SCUBA Diving (within safe limits) and optional (extra fee) Dive courses - Open Water to Divemaster (depending on length of stay)
  • Your own private room in traditional, sustainably built bamboo accommodation, equipped with sprung mattress, fan, mosquito net, shelves, bedside table, lamp, and (of course) a pottery Nudibranch
  • Opportunities to get involved with and learn about Underwater Photography, Wildlife Photography, Recreational Archery, Yoga, Basketball and several beach sports!
  • Sunday-Fundays with awesome fun dives followed by a special Sunday Funday dinner - Rotating from a home-cooked Sunday Roast, to Fresh Pizza cooked in our very own Turtley awesome Pizza Oven!

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

SORCE Marine Conservation Assistants will participate in all Marine conservation activities from building Artificial Reefs on land to populating them underwater and more!

Join us in paradise for the experience of a lifetime! Help us preserve and protect the vibrant and diverse coral reefs that will be your classroom and playground during your time here.

We develop sustainable community-backed methods for the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems and aim to ...

About the program

Join us in paradise for the experience of a lifetime! Help us preserve and protect the vibrant and diverse coral reefs that will be your classroom and playground during your time here.

We develop sustainable community-backed methods for the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems and aim to provide a climate for ecological awareness within both local and international communities, achieved through scientific action and public engagement. Our ties with local grassroots organisations and departments of local government means that we can ensure our projects are having a genuine and lasting impact. 

Our Aims

  • To gather vital raw scientific data through a number of initiatives including: Reef Health Surveys, Nudibranch data collection, Turtle ID, Shark & Megafauna abundance surveys and Reef Check surveys.
  • To restore historically damaged and degrades reefs using various artificial reef building, deploying and population methods.
  • To regenerate damaged seagrass meadows
  • To implement a local plastic recycling project
  • To restore and increase the size of Mangrove forests by out-planting various species through community events
  • To produce a local Turtle ID database through underwater surveys and photography, sharing data with local government, Yayasans and stakeholders.
  • To produce a comprehensive catalogue of Nudibranch species in the Gita Nada MPA

What you can expect

Everyone who joins us receives practical, theoretical and SCUBA (for the underwater activities) training for all research & conservation activities. So, with your help we can continue to work tirelessly towards our ultimate goal - to restore and protect the marine environment, creating healthy, productive and valuable ecosystems for the benefit of all stakeholders and future generations.

 



Typical day

*Please note: Schedule activities and timings will vary depending on tide & boat access

 

Monday – Arrival/departure - DRY DAY

Once you arrive you will receive a tour of the site and be taken to your accommodation to settle in.

If you arrive before lunchtime you will join us for lunch then ...

Typical day

*Please note: Schedule activities and timings will vary depending on tide & boat access

 

Monday – Arrival/departure - DRY DAY

Once you arrive you will receive a tour of the site and be taken to your accommodation to settle in.

If you arrive before lunchtime you will join us for lunch then proceed with Orientation in the afternoon. If you arrive after 2.30pm then Orientation will be part of Tuesdays schedule. This reduces the amount you can get through in the first few days so we strongly recommend that people arrive at our facility by or before 2:30pm. 

 

Tuesday to Saturday - Activity week!

Morning activities: 8.30 – 12.30 Activities including lectures, conservation & survey dives, Artificial reef building, data analysis, Mangrove seed collection and planting, beach cleans

Afternoon Activities: 14.00-17.00 Activities including lectures, conservation & survey dives, Artificial reef building, data analysis, Mangrove seed collection and planting, beach cleans

 

Sunday – Funday

Fundive & leisure activities, relaxation, games, followed by a nice cold beer and Pizza, or Homemade Burger, or tasty Lasagne, or a Sunday Roast, depending on the week, we have options for meat eaters and vegetarians/vegans.

 

Breakfast: 7.00 - 8.30

Lunch: 13.00

Dinner: 18.00

 

Evenings are your own or you may want to join us for a movie night on the big screen, maybe toast some marshmallows around the bonfire, what about a games night? We have a multitude of board & card games to choose from, you can also watch a Documentary with us!  


Free-time activities

Even though we are in a secluded spot on the South West corner of Lombok there are still many things to do in your free time! 


At SORCE you can swim, snorkel, dive, use the Jungle Gym, practice yoga on the beach, play basketball, or just chill in a hammock! There are also loads of card and board ...

Free-time activities

Even though we are in a secluded spot on the South West corner of Lombok there are still many things to do in your free time! 


At SORCE you can swim, snorkel, dive, use the Jungle Gym, practice yoga on the beach, play basketball, or just chill in a hammock! There are also loads of card and board games, a projector for movie nights, a bonfire area, and a beach lounge area. We even have paddleboards, kayaks, and Archery equipment available to rent if you want to try something a little different.

Locally you can go horse riding, explore the local Islands (Gilis), visit local villages, local restaurants, rent a bike and go further afield to the famous surf spot Desert Point just down the road, or to any of the beautiful beaching in the surrounding area! We can help you to arrange a public boat, to rent a scooter, or to hire a car and driver if you wish to explore the surrounding area. 

If you're interested in some adventure, why not take a day trip to South Lombok (Belongas Bay) with our friends at Wild Scuba for a chance to see some big megafauna and incredible coral reefs (advanced divers only). We also have many friends in the Northern Gilis and Nusa Lembongan/Penida so ask us for recommendations for your next stay or weekend away trips. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

To participate in the Marine Conservation program, you must have an Open Water Scuba Dive Certification (PADI or equivalent), we also recommend Advanced Open water Certification (though it is not mandatory). Don’t worry if you are not qualified you can get certified while you are here!

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by SORCE

We do recommend a minimum of 2-4 weeks to get the most out of your stay. 

Please note that for stays longer than 6 weeks or shorter than 2 weeks we have separate Ts and Cs so please contact us to request further information. Please note, it is possible to book a shorter stay and then extend at a later date (subject to availability).

All of your money goes straight back into covering the costs of your stay, the running & upkeep of our facility, conservation project materials and wages for the local staff who are on-hand to support you through-out your time with us.


What's included?

Your fee covers:

  • the cost of accommodation
  • 3x meals per day
  • fresh drinking water
  • orientation
  • local staff salaries
  • diving equipment (BCD, regulator, tanks, weights and weight belt)*
  • project materials & equipment
  • boat fuel costs
  • all practical and theoretical training related to the conservation and research projects 
  • 24/7 in-country program support during your entire stay.

*Please bring your own Mask, Fins, Waterwear (wetsuit or rashguard) and Dive computer. If you do not have a Dive Computer, you can rent one for the duration of your stay.


Internet:

There is typically 4G internet signal where we are located. Internet use can be secured by purchasing a local sim-card to use in your device and topping up a monthly data package for a minimal cost. Please ensure that the retailer of the sim card installs it for you so that you can ensure it works in your phone before leaving with it. 

Accommodation

Beautiful lockable single room in our traditional sustainably built bamboo huts, each hut has two rooms with a shared balcony area.

Each room has: 

  • a large bamboo bed
  • sprung mattress, pillow & fresh cotton bedding (changed weekly)
  • mosquito net
  • handmade bedside table
  • fan
  • small clothes rail
  • a handmade bamboo rack for your belongings
  • blackout curtains for your window and doors.

Don’t worry if you are coming with a friend or partner, we do have double/twin rooms upon request.

There is an external shower/toilet block with private cubicles for the use of everyone.

Food & Beverages

We provide Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 7 days a week. Each meal is prepared by our local cooks, there is a mix of local Indonesian cuisine and western food using fresh locally grown produce. Most meals have either rice or noodles with beans and vegetables. Most meals are vegetarian with meat meals (chicken or beef) a couple of times a week, (there will be a tofu/tempe variation for vegetarians).

If you prefer to have more meat in your diet that is no problem, we can add meat to your meals for a minimal additional fee. 

On Sunday Funday we have a special treat, a 4 week rotation of Pizza, Homemade burgers & chips, Lasagne with garlic bread & salad, and Roast Dinner with Yorkie puds!

Breakfast is a choice of porridge or toast with jam, peanut butter, or honey Tuesday to Sunday and crepe pancakes with sugar and lime on a Monday

We can cater for Vegans, however due to logistics and availability it can be difficult to cater for all dietary requirements but given enough time we do try to cater for everyone. Please be aware that you are in a developing country in a remote part of the world so flexibility is necessary.

There is a small tuck shop where you can purchase drinks, snacks, fruit, nuts and local chocolate treats if you wish. We also have an in-house restaurant with all day menu containing a selection of snacks, drinks, sweet treats and alternative meals if you want something a little different that the kitchen can make for you if you wish for an additional fee. 

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Lombok International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Praya. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Our Projects run throughout the year and Monday is our Arrival/Departure day. We request that you aim to arrive at our facility by 2:30pm on the Monday of your expedition commencing so that there is time to run through the induction material with you before dinner is served.

Please bear in mind that if you are not already a qualified diver this will take a minimum of 4 days to complete before you can join in on any of the underwater activities. The Open Water course (as well as other scuba courses) are facilitated by our partner dive school and can be paid for directly to them when you arrive on-site.

At present we limit expeditions booked through Volunteer World to a maximum of 6 weeks, however, extensions and applications for longer stays are possible.

 

Getting here

Lombok International Airport (LOP) is the closest airport, we can organise Airport transfer through local trusted drivers who will pick you up from the Airport (approx. 1hr 30min trip) and bring you to where our boat can collect you and take you on the 10 min trip to our facility. This is an additional cost (approx. £25 or $30) that you can pay to your driver directly through us.

If you are already in Indonesia and are travelling from Bali or elsewhere by boat we can also organise a driver to collect you from either Bangsal (Gilis port) or Lembar (main port) we can advise you of this cost if you decide to arrive by boat.

Once your booking has been confirmed we will send you a Welcome Pack via email full of information to help you plan your travels and stay - including visa information, travel advice and what you should bring with you!

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,403€
3 weeks 1,860€
4 weeks 2,318€
5 weeks 2,684€
6 weeks (max. stay) 3,050€
Average fees 604€/week

Program fees

604€ per week 2 - 6 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 6 weeks

Deposit

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.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with SORCE during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

SORCE

Outstanding 4.9 rating (19 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2019

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Kara

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Marine conservation, scientific research and education through working sustainably with the local community to restore coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests.

Meet your organization

SORCE – the Sustainable Oceanic Research, Conservation & Education initiative was founded in 2016 and registered as a UK Community Interest Company in May of 2018. In July of 2019 SORCE opened its facility in the Gita Nada Marine Protected Area in Lombok. It is an initiative providing a climate for ecological awareness within both local and international communities. Through our projects, we seek to find sustainable ways to both restore and conserve biological hotspots with the support of local communities.

SORCE is a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) and Community Interest Company (CIC) meaning that all of the work we do is not for profit. Since we operate as a non-profit organisation ALL of the money received through fundraising, donations, grants and commercial activity is funnelled back into our projects and the running of our research and conservation facility in Lombok which is staffed by local Indonesian workers. This means that we are able to make the biggest impact possible with the resources available.

We are a UK registered organisation, however we are primarily based at our research and conservation facility in the south west corner of Lombok, in a newly created Marine Protected Area (Gita Nada MPA) within the Archipelago of Indonesia. This region is within the Coral Triangle and the Wallacea biodiversity hotspot, meaning that it is a vitally important priority area for marine conservation. Not only is it highly abundant but it is also one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet.

Scientific research is at the core of everything we do – it is an essential tool that directs and drives forwards our conservation work. We believe that a foundation of scientific knowledge is essential for successful conservation. Not only does this allow us to stay up to date with the methods we are employing and contribute to the global font of understanding within this field, but it also allows us to monitor our projects to ensure that they are as effective as possible. By ensuring that we use research and scientific application in this way we can make sure that our conservation projects at the forefront of the marine conservation movement.

Although research and conservation are at the core of what we do, neither would be possible however without the backing and engagement of the local community in which we reside. We believe that for conservation to be effective in the long-term the local community must support it. It is essential that the local people and their government take ownership of the conservation efforts so that they can be protected and continued for years to come. We work tirelessly to bridge the divide in culture so that we can come together and collaborate with local peoples for the preservation and restoration of the environment. We have local partners at all levels, from village schools and small community groups, to larger charities and governmental departments. Through these relationships we are able to run a number of outreach, engagement and education initiatives that help to further our mission here for marine protection. Through our research we gather information that is shared with local government, stakeholders and community to help inform decision making for the local MPA and wider area.

Current ongoing projects include:

Coral Reef Restoration - including Coral ID and biodiversity data collection and analysis, Reef inhabitant ID (including fish & invertebrates) data collection and analysis, Coral Nursery creation, maintenance and population, MARS (Modular Artificial Reef Structure) and frame building, deploying and population, Coral Garden maintaining and community outreach events.

Mangrove Restoration – including Mangrove Species ID and biodiversity analysis, Mangrove Nursery maintenance, propagule and seed ID, collection and planting, out-planting site location and selection, community out planting events.

Reef Check Surveys, Reef health surveys, Turtle ID, Shark & Megafauna Abundance Surveys including BRUV (baited remote underwater) surveying, Nudibranch species directory, waste management and recycling.

There is also the opportunity to become Reef Check, Reef Guru and Coral Watch trained and certified on site.

19 reviews · rating4.9

Samantha Kellogg rating4.8

2024 at Marine Conservation & Restoration Assistant

I spent less than a week at SORCE due to illness, but in the short time I was there, they were very caring and are doing wonderful work. The facilities are fantastic for what they are. Semi private room, very nice new bathroom facilities in separate building nearby, very safe and great food. You ...
Peter Skaar Nordby rating5

2023 at Marine Conservation & Restoration Assistant

I had three amazing weeks with Sorce! Kara and Mike are full of knowledge, kindness and humor, and was very helpful when my boat trip was cancelled. If I'm able to do another trip to Sorce in the future (which I absolutely want to do), I will try to stay for even longer, since the three weeks flew ...
I spent three months (Nov. 2022 - Jan. 2023) at SORCE. First I was skeptical, if three months would be too long, but very quickly I felt, I could stay even longer (much longer). Three months passed like in a second. There is always a lot to do. Activities are very varied. You get to dive a lot: on 2 ...
Meaningful science both below and above the water. The accommodations were amazing. If you want to dive every day and learn about coral restoration this is the place to go. ...
I spent two weeks at Sorce in September 2023, which were some of the best weeks of my life. I was received with open arms and an open heart by the entire team, who made my stay unforgettable. Being at Sorce meant that I could do what I am passionate about, while making an impact for the ...
The 3 Weeks with Source we’re interesting. I enjoyed diving and the work under and above the water. Also the input about the mangroves, the fish identification, corals, reefs … are interesting and well prepared. It’s a very calm place and you can go there by boat or by motorbike (no official ...

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