Madagascar Conservation Project Detail

This exciting and innovative programme works with a multi-award winning charity 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, as a result of 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 complex 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. 

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 volunteers can stay for up to 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.

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 and used nationally and internationally to highlight the plight of the fauna and flora in Sainte Luce.

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 can involve environmental education of children in local villages, building fuel-efficient stoves and planting and evaluating the critically endangered palm, Dypsis saintelucei.

The Madagascar Conservation Project offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the fascinating island of Madagascar and work to conserve its unique and endangered environment. All necessary training will be given in-country and volunteers don’t need any experience, only a keen interest in conservation, although those who already have experience will gain more and contribute further to the project. 

Be prepared for adventurous journeys, long walks in remote forests and beautiful project sites. The work may be tough at times but rest assured the experience is incomparably rewarding – we invite you to be more than a tourist!