from 670€

Perfect 4.6rating (29)

Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Engage directly in conservation efforts by monitoring sea turtle populations.
  • Contribute to global databases that help inform international turtle conservation strategies and policies.
  • Gain valuable skills in species identification, data collection, snorkeling, and underwater surveying, with training provided on seagrass and turtle species.
  • Experience local culture and traditions through Malagasy lessons and engaging with the local community.
  • Explore the beautiful surrounding islands in your free time.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

MRCI’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Program has been established to identify and develop Safe Turtle Breeding Zones in North Western Madagascar

Sea Turtle  Monitoring Program:

The Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles in North Western Madagascar through our Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. This initiative is focused on identifying and protecting safe breeding zones to help ...

About the program

Sea Turtle  Monitoring Program:

The Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles in North Western Madagascar through our Sea Turtle Monitoring Program. This initiative is focused on identifying and protecting safe breeding zones to help bolster sea turtle populations, which are currently under threat from poaching and habitat loss. Currently large numbers of turtle eggs are being plundered on many of the remote beaches, and hatchlings and fully reproductive turtles are shockingly being harvested for the souvenir trade. Due to the already naturally low survival rate of turtle hatchlings, this is having devastating impacts on population numbers.

The main objective and focus of our Sea Turtle Monitoring Program is to collect and record species, nesting and size-related data for estimating population dynamics and nesting distributions in North Western Madagascar.

Program Activities and Volunteer Involvement

Volunteers in the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program play a crucial role in safeguarding these endangered species. The program runs throughout the year, with specific activities tailored to the nesting and non-nesting seasons:

Nesting Season (October to March): This is the peak time when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Volunteers focus on:

  • Nesting Site Monitoring: Patrolling beaches to identify new nesting sites, recording nesting activities, and relocating nests that are at risk from predators or environmental threats.
  • Anti-Poaching Efforts: Working alongside local community members and security personnel to deter poaching activities, which pose a significant threat to turtle eggs and hatchlings.
  • Data Collection: Recording detailed data on nesting turtles, including species identification, nesting behaviour, egg counts, and GPS coordinates of nests.
Dry Season (April to September):

When nesting activity decreases, the program shifts focus to other critical conservation activities:

  • In-Water Turtle Surveys: Conducting snorkel and dive surveys to collect identification and behavioural data on sea turtles in their natural habitat. This involves observing and documenting turtle activities such as feeding, resting, and mating.
  • Beach Rehabilitation: Engaging in beach clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste and other debris that could harm turtles or degrade their nesting habitats.
  • Community Education: Educating local communities on the importance of sea turtles in the marine ecosystem and fostering sustainable practices to protect these species.
Objectives and Goals of the Program
The Sea Turtle Monitoring Program aims to protect and conserve sea turtle populations through a combination of direct intervention, community engagement, and data-driven research. Our primary goals are:
  1. Mapping and Protecting Nesting Beaches: Identifying key nesting sites and implementing protective measures to reduce the risk of poaching and environmental disturbances.
  2. Species Identification and Population Monitoring: Documenting turtle species diversity, nesting patterns, and population trends to inform conservation strategies.
  3. Engaging Local Communities: Building strong relationships with local communities to involve them in conservation efforts, enhance public awareness, and promote sustainable practices.
  4. Waste Management: Conducting regular beach clean-ups to remove plastic and other pollutants that threaten turtle habitats.
  5. Data Collection for Conservation: Gather comprehensive data on turtle populations and behaviours to understand the challenges they face and develop effective conservation tactics.

Species Monitored

MRCI’s program focuses on two key species of sea turtles:

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): Listed as critically endangered, these turtles are distinguished by their pointed beaks and overlapping scales on their shells. They are often targeted for their beautiful shells, which are used in the souvenir trade.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas): An endangered species known for their large size and varied shell colours. Unlike Hawksbills, Green Sea Turtles are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrass and algae, which makes them important for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Sadly, population numbers of both species are in decline with harvesting of eggs, hatchlings and adults being the primary threat. Hawksbill turtle numbers have fallen by as much as 80% in the last 10 years, and the annual number of nesting female Green Sea Turtle species has declined by up to 67% over the last 3 generations. This has left both species at high risk of extinction if nothing is done to safeguard their future.

General Information

Age: Our volunteers range in age from 18 to retirees and everyone in between, though most are in their early to mid-twenties.

Number of Volunteers: MRCI’s research centre at Turtle Cove can accommodate up to 54 volunteers at a time across all programs. There are usually between 10 and 20 volunteers participating in the Sea Turtle Monitoring Program at any given time.

Languages Spoken: All program staff and volunteers must be able to speak, write and understand English. Our program staff and volunteers come from all over the world and speak a myriad of other languages in addition to English. Locally, our operations staff and the people of Madagascar speak Malagasy and some French. Volunteers have the chance to attend free Malagasy lessons offered on camp and learn more about the language and culture in this beautiful country.

Essential Information

Volunteers are expected to have their own health insurance. Vaccinations are not typically required to enter Madagascar, however, this may vary depending on your travel path. We recommend consulting a travel doctor about vaccinations and medications. Recommended vaccinations for Madagascar include yellow fever, tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies.

In addition, we recommend carrying preventative agents with you including sunscreen, after-sun lotion, mosquito repellent, re-hydration supplements, anti-malarial medications, and anything else recommended by your doctor.  There is access to good, fairly priced medical care here in-country if needed. Due to the hot, humid climate, it is incredibly important to drink enough water. We have filtered drinking water available on camp; just be sure to bring a good reusable bottle.

What Is included in the fee: Sea Turtle Conservation volunteers receive training on species identification, conducting field surveys, methodology, and data collation.

Volunteers also receive:

  • Sleeping accommodations for the duration of their volunteer time
  • Three meals per day, seven days per week on camp
  • Supervision and training by staff
  • Scientific Survey Materials (i.e. GPS, rulers, measuring tape, etc…)

Insurance: Volunteers are expected to purchase their own health insurance.

Not Included:
  • Flights
  • Visa costs
  • Personal items

Currency:  In Madagascar the official currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which can only be exchanged in Madagascar. There are a number VISA ATMs located in Hellville which volunteers can draw cash from. We do however advise that you bring some Euro’s along with you

Passport and Visa:  All visitors require visas and a one to three month single entry visa may be obtained on arrival at the airport. We do recommend you check with the Consulate General as visa requirements can change at any time. A passport valid for 6 months after date of return is required. Please ensure you have at least two blank pages available in your passport before commencement of travel.

15-Day visa: 10 Euros / 11 USD

30-Day visa: 35 Euros / 37 USD 

60-day visa: 40 Euros / 45 USD 

Additional 30-day extension: 68 Euros / 75 USD

Most nationalities can get a visa upon arrival at the airport in Madagascar or the Madagascar embassy in the country of departure. You can purchase either a 30 or 60-day visa. There are no ATMs or credit card facilities at the airports so you will need to bring enough cash to pay for your visa when you land. Visas may be extended to 90 days for $75 once in-country. 

Due to its structure, this program is classified as a tourist trip. Volunteers participate in a project for three months or less, work an average of four to six hours daily (not full-time), and do not receive any pay or free accommodation/meals in compensation for work. That qualifies these types of trips as “tourist” trips, therefore, we recommend you select “tourism” as your reason for travel on your visa. Other visa types may be available, however, they are often unnecessary, expensive and time-consuming.

What to bring along:

  • Snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel and fins)
  • Rashguard
  • Lightweight waterproof rain jacket
  • T-shirts/vests
  • Light long-sleeved sweatshirt/ jumper/ fleece
  • Trousers 
  • Shorts
  • Underwear
  • Swimming costume/bikini/board shorts
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Walking boots or good trainers /sneakers
  • Flip-flops
  • Day pack (waterproof)
  • Dry bag/zip lock bags that will keep items dry
  • Lightweight single-person mosquito net
  • Cotton sleeping bag liner and/or single sheet & pillowcase.
  • Sleeping bag if coming in the cooler months (June-August)
  • Towel or sarong
  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razor, tampons, toothpaste, toothbrush)
  • Sunscreen (water-resistant, preferably biodegradable)
  • Insect repellent
  • Head torch (with rechargeable batteries)
  • Photocopy of passport, travel insurance details, dive qualifications (if relevant) and other important travel documents
  • Debit card/credit card
  • Spending money
  • Solar Panel Charger
  • Personal Medical Kit (example items: Anti-malarial tablets; Paracetamol / Ibuprofen; Antihistamine pills / cream; Rehydration tablets / sachets; Immodium; Multivitamins; Antiseptic cream or spray; Motion sickness pills if prone; Bandage / Plasters; Dressings / Micropore tape; After sun lotion or gel; 
Optional Items for all Volunteers:

  • Battery pack (to use in conjunction with your solar panel)
  • Mobile phone (you can buy a local SIM card for around US$10)
  • A padlock to secure personal items
  • Laptop/iPad/iPhone
  • Camera (waterproof)
  • Books
  • Water bottle
  • Sarong
  • Snorkeling gear (flippers; mask; snorkel)
  • A nice set of clothes if you want to go out for dinner or dancing
  • Rash vest
  • Talcum powder
  • Treats/food difficult to get in Madagascar
  • Travel guide (many volunteers find Lonely Planet to be very helpful for preparation and once they are in Madagascar)
Health Conditions: We kindly request that all volunteers inform our volunteer coordinator and senior staff of any health conditions, mental illnesses, disabilities, or other relevant information that may affect their participation in camp activities. Please be assured that any such information will be kept strictly confidential. We need to have this information to ensure that we provide fair treatment and ensure your safety during your stay on camp.

Internet: Wi-Fi is not available on camp, however, there is Wi-Fi access in the neighbouring village of Ampang, about a half-hour hike from camp. Volunteers can purchase a local sim card in Hellville along with 2GB of data for $5. 

Mobile Phones: Volunteers can bring their mobile phones and purchase a local SIM card and credit for calling and data upon arrival. If their phone’s SIM is locked, they have the option of purchasing a local phone. This is great for keeping in touch with local staff, other volunteers and loved ones at home. Once you have purchased a SIM card and data package, you can access the internet via cell service in most places on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, including camp. With enough credit loaded on, you can make both domestic and international calls. The country code for calling Madagascar is +261. 

Electrical Appliances: The most common type of wall plug in Madagascar is the typical European rounded twoprong plug (Type C) and the rounded two-prong plug with a hole for the male grounding pin (Type E). The voltage is 20V and the frequency is 50Hz.



Typical day

Generally, each program has morning and afternoon activities, however the Sea Turtle Monitoring program also includes night activities. After dinner each day, we have a briefing to go over activities for the following day. NOTE: The schedule will vary depending on the project, weather etc. for that ...

Typical day

Generally, each program has morning and afternoon activities, however the Sea Turtle Monitoring program also includes night activities. After dinner each day, we have a briefing to go over activities for the following day. NOTE: The schedule will vary depending on the project, weather etc. for that day.

Sample Schedule:

  • 05:00-07:00 Breakfast on camp
  • 06:00-08:00 Start of morning activities on project
  • 12:00 Lunch on camp
  • 14:00 Start of afternoon activities on project
  • 16:00-17:00 Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
  • 18:00 Dinner on camp
  • 18:45 Board Briefing to go over activities for the following day

Volunteers are met at the Nosy Be International airport upon arrival and, weather permitting, transferred via boat to MRCI’s Turtle Cove base camp on Nosy Komba Island (Lemur Island).

Volunteers are given a tour of camp followed by an orientation and a health and safety briefing.


Free-time activities

Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs located on Nosy Komba, therefore all cash needs to be drawn ATMs located on neighbouring Nosy Be. The ATMs all take VISA; only one or two will accept MasterCard. Depending on weekend activities and the number of souvenirs and snacks ...

Free-time activities

Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs located on Nosy Komba, therefore all cash needs to be drawn ATMs located on neighbouring Nosy Be. The ATMs all take VISA; only one or two will accept MasterCard. Depending on weekend activities and the number of souvenirs and snacks purchased, volunteers typically find between $75 and $150 USD per week to be sufficient spending money.

A few popular weekend activities / places to visit are listed below. NOTE: Unless marked otherwise, volunteers organize trips to these places on their own, not through MRCI, however there is contact information available on camp from past volunteers on how they booked trips.

  • Lokobe Forest Reserve
  • Discovery SCUBA Dive (through MRCI)
  • SCUBA Dive Training (through MRCI)
  • Explore different areas of Nosy Komba with a local guide and learn about medicinal plants, the endemic wildlife and more
  • Tanikely Natural Reserve
  • Visit Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (swimming and snorkelling)
  • Whale Shark Watching (seasonal)
  • Visit the Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
  • Hike up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
  • Visit Lemur Land park on Nosy Be, or the Lemur Park on Ampang Village on Nosy Komba
  • Ankarana National Park
  • Amber Mountain National Park
  • Visit plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
  • Visit the city of Diego Suarez including the Emerald Sea, the Three Bays, Tsingy Rouge rock formation and more


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 (intermediate level)

Nationality Restrictions

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

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 16:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by MRCI - Madagascar Volunteer

The program fee covers the cost of accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation, staff salaries, equipment, project materials, fuel costs, training and 24/7 in-country program support during your entire volunteer stay.

Airport Pickup at Fascene Airport

ARRIVAL INFO:  The program begins on the first and third Monday of every month. The MRCI base sits on a small island called Nosy Komba off the northwest coast of Madagascar. There is no airport, roads or cars on this island, however on the neighbouring island of Nosy Be there is a large port and airport. Please arrive to Nosy Be for pickup the day before your start date so you can meet the team for transport to the volunteer camp on Nosy Komba. The boat ride from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba takes about 45 minutes and the last boat usually departs around 15:00.

Volunteers may fly directly into Nosy Be Fascene International Airport (airport code NOS), or into the capital city, Antananarivo (Tana for short; airport code TNR). If you fly into Tana, you can take a domestic flight from Tana to Nosy Be, or travel overland via Taxi Brousse or private car to Nosy Be. We can help arrange your overland transport if needed. This journey can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours depending on number of stops, weather, road conditions, etc. 

FOR YOUR ARRIVAL:  Once you arrive on Nosy Be, our driver will meet you. He will have an MRCI sign with a turtle logo. Depending on the time you arrive, an MRCI staff member wearing a blue MRCI shirt will also greet you. If there is time before the last boat departs for Nosy Komba, you will be given a tour of the town of Hellville and an opportunity to purchase snacks, a local SIM card, draw money at an ATM, etc. Bear in mind that in addition to time constraints with boat departures, shops and stores all shut during siesta, between noon and 14:30 or 15:00. If you arrive at 15:00 or later (after the last boat departs for Komba), you will need to stay the night on Nosy Be. We can provide you with hotel recommendations if needed. The following day, you’ll meet an MRCI staff member at a predetermined time and place.

Your transport to camp, including the taxi from Nosy Be airport (or tuk tuk from port) to Hellville and your first boat to camp are included in the program fee. A staff member will accompany you on the boat from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba and give you a tour of MRCI camp on Komba upon arrival.

FOR YOUR DEPARTURE: You are responsible to arrange and pay for your own transport back to the airport, however we are happy to help you book your transport as needed.

Accommodation

Our research centre, Turtle Cove, is built into the steep slopes of Nosy Komba as a multi-level compound overlooking the spectacular coral reef below. Climb stone stairs up from an idyllic beach to main house situated above the dive deck and take in the stunning view of the ocean extending far across all the way to Lokobe Forest Reserve on Nosy Be. Main house accommodates senior staff members and serves as a meeting place and hangout for volunteers during the day. Large decks line the front of main house complete with hammocks, bean bags and benches. There is also a work area for volunteers as well as lockable storage boxes available for each hut to store small valuables. Volunteers should also bring a padlock to secure personal items in their luggage when not in use.

From the back of main house, follow more stone steps up another level to a separate kitchen and dining hut nestled among vibrant gardens. On this middle level and up another level sit a series of locally built bungalows fitted with bunk beds that serve as volunteer sleeping quarters. Volunteers can expect to share a hut with four to six other volunteers, and will need to bring their own bedding and towels. Also on these two levels, there are several bathroom facilities equipped with running water, flush toilets and cold water showers.

Turtle cove camp is eco-friendly with solar powered lighting throughout. There are no charging facilities for electronic devices so volunteers are encouraged to bring a solar panel and battery pack to keep their devices charged. Charging ports are available in the neighbouring village of Ampang, about a half hour hike from camp. We do have an onsite generator for staff use, though volunteers are welcome to charge small devices (no laptops) from this if there is space. Bear in mind that in an effort to go green, use of the generator is minimal, sometimes only once per week or less.

While out on extended field trips, volunteers can expect to either be camping or accommodated in basic bungalows on various remote island beaches.

Also, keep in mind that we are dependent on the sun for most of our power and rainfall for our water, so conserve power and water as much as possible during your stay.

When packing, please keep in mind that there are no waste disposal or recycling centres in this area of Madagascar. Therefore, please minimize the amount of disposable, plastic or one-use type items you bring.  Opt for rechargeable batteries instead of single-use batteries as we have no way to safely dispose of batteries on the island. We suggest also bringing a solar panel and battery pack if you have any electronics you want to keep charged.

Food & Beverages

On camp, three meals per day are provided seven days per week. Each meal is prepared by our on-site cooks using traditional Malagasy cooking methods using fresh, locally grown, seasonally available produce. Most meals have a rice base with beans and vegetables on the side (or over rice). Fruit and vegetables served will change depending on the season and availability of local produce. Some meals will include fish/seafood, beef (zebu), or chicken. Meat, when part of a meal, is typically prepared with a sauce, cut into small pieces, and served over rice. In addition to bananas, breakfast usually consists of either baguettes and jam, eggs or crepes.

There is a vegetarian option for all meals. Due to logistics and the limitations of our remote location, we cannot provide a vegan option. Vegans can help themselves to the vegetable-based foods prepared, but will also need to supplement their diet with foods purchased off camp.  If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know. We will do or best to provide accordingly, however you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. Bear in mind that you are volunteering in a remote region of a developing country and flexibility is necessary.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Fascene Airport (NOS) in Nossi-be. We assist you to find cheap flights to Madagascar. 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 Madagascar provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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

Details on arrival

MRCI's Turtle Monitoring Program runs all year round.  Start Dates are the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

ARRIVAL DAY: You will be met at the airport (or port) on Nosy Be by our driver or an MRCI staff member. If you arrive before Sunday, you will be dropped off at your hotel after a tour of Hellville. On Sunday, you will meet a staff member at a predetermined time and place for transfer to the volunteer camp on Nosy Komba.

SUNDAY 

  • 10:00 Tour of Hellville (if not already complete)
  • 12:00 Boat to camp on Nosy Komba accompanied by a staff member
  • 14:00 Camp tour upon arrival
  • 16:30 Free time to unpack, settle in and meet your hut mates
  • 18:00 Dinner
  • 18:45 Daily Board Briefing (staff will go over the schedule and activities for the following day) 
MONDAY 

  • 07:30 Breakfast
  • 08:30 Orientation Presentation
  • 10:00 Health and Safety Presentation
  • 11:00 Complete and sign forms and paperwork
  • 12:00 Lunch
  • 14:00 Walk to the neighbouring village of Ampang for a tour led by staff 
  • 17:00 May walk or take the teacher's boat back to camp (costs 2,000 MGA/person for the boat) 
  • 18:00 Dinner
  • 18:45 Daily Board Briefing
TUESDAY: First official day on the project! Volunteers are trained in species identification, equipment usage and data collection protocols to prepare them for the hands-on work to come. Volunteers will also receive information on our goals and how to best assist us in achieving them.  Once training has been completed, volunteers are placed in the field. Volunteers are divided into groups and, accompanied by an MRCI staff member, are dropped by boat at various locations of interest to conduct the survey work. Depending on the distance from main camp, volunteers may stay at various field satellite camps.  Volunteers spend their final few days back at MRCI’s Turtle Cove base camp completing data entries and debriefing.

NOTE: The schedule will vary widely depending on boats, tides, actual arrival time, etc… The following is an example only and should not be considered an itinerary to be followed upon arrival. Follow the instructions of in-country staff for actual times and stay flexible. Daily life in Madagascar revolves around family, boats and tides. Embrace the ‘mora-mora’ way of life and don’t get into a hurry. Just try to relax and enjoy the journey.  

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 670€
2 weeks 917€
3 weeks 1,163€
4 weeks 1,410€
5 weeks 1,656€
6 weeks 1,903€
7 weeks 2,149€
8 weeks 2,396€
9 weeks 2,642€
10 weeks 2,888€
11 weeks 3,135€
12 weeks (max. stay) 3,381€
Average fees 475€/week

Program fees

475€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 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 MRCI - Madagascar Volunteer during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

MRCI - Madagascar Volunteer

Perfect 4.6 rating (29 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2013

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) undertakes environmental research and conservation in both the marine and terrestrial environments.

Meet your organization

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) undertakes environmental research and conservation in both the marine and terrestrial environments. MRCI further actively involved in community development and educational programs, as well as much needed reforestation in Madagascar.  MRCI educational programs include English teaching and other educational programs geared towards the implementation of conservation initiatives such as the hazards of plastic pollution and how marine species like whales, dolphins and sea turtles are adversely affected.

MRCI’s Turtle Cove research centre is located on Nosy Komba island and is the heart and home base for all MRCI programs.  Turtle Cove is nestled between a beautiful tropical forest and a pristine beach which overlooks Nosy Be and the world famous Lokobe Forest Reserve.  Volunteers have easy access to the beach and MRCI’s home coral reef that, in conjunction with the local community and national government, MRCI have had declared as a Marine Protected Area.

Through long term monitoring, MRCI conservation programs aim to actively contribute to the preservation of the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar. While the community programs are aimed at improving the lives of the Malagasy people in rural communities, the further aim is to communicate the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

MRCI’s aims to provide the local community and schools with English conversational and English Grammar lessons.  This program not only empowers the community but further offers a platform to volunteers to communicate and collaborate on conservations topics and initiatives at grass-roots level.  Volunteers have the opportunity to teach English classes to students in small village schools on the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, alongside delivering classes to adults in the local communities as well. Volunteers will also be able to provide classes to the staff members at the Oceanographic Research Institute on Nosy Be, where they will assist in establishing a good working knowledge of English, enhancing their ability to communicate ideas and collaborate scientific research findings internationally.

MRCI’s Community Development Program works hand in hand with our conservation initiatives, goals and objectives. Each project undertaken by MRCI is carefully planned and sanction by the community leaders. The key focus of each project is the development of infrastructures where the entire community benefit as a whole.  The aim of the community development program is to not only improve the lives and living conditions of the people in our communities, but to further gain their support of our conservation initiatives.   Once the projects have been identified and approved by MRCI and the community leaders, work begins with MRCI sponsoring a portion of the funds required.  Volunteers assist not only with the physical labour required to complete the projects, but also with initiating additional fundraising campaigns. 

MRCI’s Marine Conservation Program is run in collaboration with a number of international oceanographic organisations.  The main aim of the marine program is to gather vital raw data through a variety of initiatives.

Volunteers receive comprehensive training to prepare for research-based activities at sea. Training covers species identification for marine wildlife, including turtles, fish, corals and invertebrates as well as methodology of coral baseline surveying, a key skill in marine conservation as a universal approach to monitoring the state of coral reefs.  This program has a minimum duration of 4 weeks to allow sufficient time for volunteers to be able to complete the dive and marine research training as well as to contribute towards dive surveys.

MRCI’s Sea Turtle Monitoring Program has been established to further our goals and objectives and enhance what has already been accomplished in terms of developing Safe Turtle Breeding Zones.  MRCI has very successfully, with the support of the local community, implemented a “Safe Turtle Nesting Zone” on Nosy Komba Island. As part of this initiative, MRCI has employed security personnel to provide 24 hour monitoring of this nesting zone to ensure the safety of the turtles and their eggs. Identifying and implementing protection measures for these breeding sites is paramount to safeguarding the species in this area. The primary goals are to map and identify beaches used as nesting sites; identify species diversity and numbers; engage and establish a relationship with the local communities enabling MRCI to include them in the conservation efforts and to monitor and remove plastic waste and other harmful products from the beaches. 

MRCI volunteers assist in identifying nesting areas by visiting remote beaches on islands surrounding the island of Nosy Be. This program gives volunteers the opportunity to get up close to these beautiful creatures whilst helping to ensure the health and survival of the species into future.

In an effort to extend MRCI’s community and conservation reach beyond Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, MRCI established an Island Outreach program where volunteers are transported aboard the vessel the Spirit of Malala, spending 10 days visiting several of Madagascar’s remote islands and villages.  Volunteers are involved in a range of initiatives such as teaching, small construction projects and scientific research. Many of these island communities in Madagascar have very limited basic resources.  MRCI’s Outreach Program aims to assist these local communities not only with access to education and resources, but with basic first aid assistance as well. 

MRCI’s Forest Conservation Program involves constant monitoring of the forest and its endemic wildlife on Nosy Komba Island. The aim of the forest conservation program is to establish the diversity and abundance of species in order to identify changes in forest dynamics, populations, habitat health and identify potential localised threats. Forest volunteers receive species identification training and learn how to conduct field surveys, set up equipment and collate their data. MRCI’s community development program recently built toilets in the local village of Ampadinombe and in turn MRCI received guardianship 20 thousand square meters of degraded forest from the community to rehabilitate. This area is now protected and MRCI is currently pioneering the development of an agroforestry project that will create a system whereby the agricultural demands of the local community are met whilst providing a sustainable area of healthy forest for Nosy Komba’s wildlife.  The aim is to work with local communities to establish more of these protected areas.

29 reviews · rating4.6

Kjetill Jordann Christinat rating2.4

2023 at Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor

We were supposed to identify and develop Safe Turtle Breeding Zones in North Western Madagascar. Instead, we only went into the sea to watch turle. Any data we collected were used to save the ...
Emily Ball rating5

2019 at Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor

I spent 7 weeks on the Turtle programme with MRCI and it was some of the best weeks of my life. I have made incredible friends from all over the world and have fallen in love with Madagascar. Every aspect of the project was fantastic and swimming with turtles everyday was beyond anything I could ...
Tom Hornbeck rating5

2019 at Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor

My experience with MRCI is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The people I have met here, including volunteers, staff, and locals have all been incredible. I began my volunteering in the turtle conservation program, working on turtle surveys and nest preservation. During this program, ...
Sally Waterhouse rating2.8

2018 at Sea Turtle Conservation Monitor

This programme is very new. Unfortunately the resources were not in place to carry out many of the objectives set out in the description. In order to identify and protect breeding zones, a boat would be necessary to travel to nearby coastlines, which was mostly unavailable. At the time of ...
Sean Ethelston rating4.8

2024 at Marine Conservation Research Assistant

I went to Madagascar to do Marine conservation work on Nosy Komba, first I completed my open water and advanced open water dive courses . Afterwards were some lectures and tests for the species we’d be surveying, like invertebrates, fish and ...
Laura Salvisberg rating4.8

2024 at Forest Conservation Research Assistant

Tolles Programm und 2 super guides. Ich habe über die Natur v.a Vogelarten und Lemuren viel gelernt. Tolle Anlage (basic aber nichts zu tun, außer das Programm. 2 Wochen reichen. Dann wiederholt sich das Ganze. 👍 ...

Location

Africa > Eastern Africa > Madagascar > Nosy Komba

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