Description

This exciting and innovative programme works with a multi-award winning charity, Azafady, in the exotic coastal region of Sainte Luce in southeast Madagascar. Integrating conservation research on critically endangered flora and fauna with community initiatives, volunteers can get involved in various aspects of on-going conservation work.

Saint Luce is surrounded by extremely rare fragments of littoral (coastal) rainforest, which represent only 10% of the original forest cover, due to massive deforestation. The fragments are home to multiple endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna; a staggering 96% of all tree species here are endemic. As such, the fragments are one of Madagascar’s most threatened habitats and a huge conservation priority. The project seeks to alleviate the problem of deforestation, and aims to protect these fragile forest fragments in a sustainable manner. It combines practical, hands-on conservation research on endangered flora and fauna – in particular lemurs, reptiles and amphibians – with community initiatives and environmental education, building the community’s understanding of the habitats of which they are the stewards. Working alongside international and Malagasy specialists as well as the local community, this programme offers a fantastic opportunity for those wishing to gain field skills and experience in conservation projects on-the-ground in a developing country.

Project Activities:
The volunteer scheme is designed as a 10-week programme starting at the beginning of January, April, July and October each year, but is split into two-week modules which can be taken individually, or combined, so individual programmes can be between 2 and 10 weeks long. Whilst you are welcome to stay for just one 2-week module, the program has been planned so that volunteers may combine modules to stay longer and get a real overview of the integrated way this project approaches the conservation of biodiversity.

1. Lemur & Biodiversity Research

This module investigates the impact of forest fragmentation on lemur, reptile and amphibian populations by collecting data in the littoral forests in Sainte Luce. The forest here is one of only three significant areas of southern littoral forest remaining in Madagascar. Research has shown that many of the large animal species of the littoral forests have been lost and those remaining may not be able to maintain viable populations beyond 2020-2040. Volunteers will be part of a long-term project to provide not only an individual account of species and forest vulnerability but also an overall perspective of issues facing biodiversity across the region. The data collected is hugely important, used nationally and internationally to highlight the plight of the fauna and flora in Sainte Luce.

2. Community Conservation

This module encompasses the human dimension of conservation in the Sainte Luce region. For conservation of natural resources to be successful it is important to take into consideration the human dimension, in particular the relationship between local livelihoods and the littoral forests. People living in Sainte Luce are highly dependent on the environment, from biotic factors (flora and fauna) to abiotic factors (for example, rainfall and soil conditions required for growing crops). Tasks involve environmental education of children in local villages, building fuel-efficient stoves and planting and evaluating the critically endangered palm, Dypsis saintelucei.

Costs:

£600 for first two week module, £550 for the second two week module and £500 for all subsequent module.

The cost of the programme is essentially a donation to support the charitable work of the
project. Funds generated by the programme support projects in Madagascar, with some 90% of all donations being spent in direct pursuit of our charitable aims and providing vital support to our ongoing projects in the areas of health and sanitation, sustainable livelihoods and conservation.

Don’t let the size of the required fee you off! The Project Managers have a dedicated team to support volunteers, with a wealth of fundraising experience and resources including manuals, raffle tickets, posters, sponsor forms, online donation facilities, collection boxes and even a lemur suit!

The donation includes all on-project costs such as transport to and from project sites, all meals and basic camping facilities. It does not include flights and any pre-departure expenses.

URL: W10 4LG
Tags: africa, Community, conservation, endangered, environment, Madagascar, research, volunteer
Stats:

Images

Sponsored Links