Volunteering in Madagascar is exciting, unique and a cultural adventure. For those interested in conservation and protecting the environment, we have an exciting mangrove project to get involved in. You will assist in important work, maintaining and preserving the islands precious wildlife and natural heritage, through conservation of mangrove trees.
Espace Zeny is a cultural and ecotourism reserve, around a 10 minute drive from Hell-Ville. Bordered by mangrove forest, the centre has a space that trains young people from rural communities in Nosy Be and from the mainland, about how to farm organically. As a volunteer you will also learn about the mangrove forest, how it can be used and also what is threatening it.
You will also be designing an environmental teaching manual for local children, before assisting on the community environmental education outreach project. This highlights the importance of the mangroves and explains to the local people how they can keep them sustainable in the future.
There’s also work on planting mangrove forest seedbeds. Young plants are first used to reforest an example site, to make a living classroom for the children to learn first-hand. Your efforts on this project will have a lasting effect on local communities.
Location
Nosy Be (meaning ‘big island’) is an absolutely stunning island off the north-west coast and is Madagascar’s largest and busiest tourist destination. The population is estimated around 73,010 and the island has an area space of 320.02 square kilometres.
On Nosy Be island you will find volcanic lakes, lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and beautiful coral reefs. There is just so much to explore on this amazing island! In May, you can experience the 4 day Donia Music Festival. Situated on the Indian Ocean, on Nosy-Be island you can relax on the best white sand beaches, take a boat trip through the jungle, go trekking to see lemurs or snorkel alongside turtles and manta rays in the clear waters.
Project Tasks
- Help in regenerating the mangrove forest, through replanting of mangroves
- Educate the community on environmental conservation issues
- Assist with other projects on ecotourism and bee farming
