Volunteer Mangrove Ecosystem Monitoring Program in SW Madagascar Honko Mangrove Conservation & Education, an NGO working with communities in SW Madagascar to promote community-based mangrove management, is looking for volunteers to join us for our new Mangrove Ecosystem Monitoring Volunteer Program in Ambondrolava, SW. We have immediate openings, ideally starting before February 20, for this exciting opportunity to be part of the implementation of a long-term mangrove ecology study.
Volunteers will be trained in and conduct basic field ecology techniques throughout healthy, degraded, and reforested areas of Ambondrolava's mangroves, collecting information on forest structure, dead organic material, and abiotic factors. This data informs Honko and the local mangrove management association on the changes occurring in the forest, whether from management activities, increased resource pressure from local communities, or natural succession. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for field experience, an adventure, or looking to enter the field of conservation and sustainable development. About Ambondrolava and its mangroves: The mangrove forest at Ambondrolava covers 120 hectares, with an additional 13 hectares of degraded and deforested mangrove that Honko and the community have reforested. We are located just south of the Bay of Ranobe, which has a 32km long reef bordering a lagoon and intermixed seagrass beds with patches of reef. The local communities strongly depend on the mangrove for its wood and animal resources, but with rapid population growth in this region, there has been over-usage of the mangrove’s resources and evident degradation. Honko’s site in Ambondrolava has 7 species of mangrove trees and 37 wetland birds (the highest recorded wetland bird diversity in this region). Within and around the mangrove there are many different habitat types ranging from protected forest, degraded forest, reforested land, reed beds, and abandoned salt pans. Volunteer Activities: Volunteer day-to-day activities will follow our ecosystem monitoring protocol, comprised of a range of basic forest survey techniques. You will be trained on site in these techniques and the basics of mangrove ecology. You will spend most of your day in depths of the mangrove collecting data for this long-term research program, but when not in the forest, there will be many opportunities to assist with our other projects. We also ask that volunteers contribute to our blog and Facebook page during their stay here. Desired Attributes: • At least 1 year of undergraduate studies • Experience or demonstrated interest in conservation and/or ecology • Adaptability • Physical fitness and perseverance – ability and willingness to spend hours in the field, walking through channels and mangrove sediment • French language will help you, but is not necessary Time and duration: Volunteer placements are a maximum of 3 months. Cost: The monthly cost for the volunteer program is €300/month ($400), which covers all food and accommodations at the site and a small contribution to help cover the costs of running Honko’s site in Ambondrolava. The volunteer fee covers: • Airport pick-up and drop-off • All meals on-site • Basic accommodations (includes mosquito net and bedding) • Training in mangrove field techniques • Limited solar power • Filtered water • Opportunities to meet with our partner NGOs in this region (e.g. Blue Ventures, Reef Doctor, Ho Avy) • An enriching experience in a fascinating environment Note that the fee does not include flights, visas, or insurance (we ask that all volunteers be covered by extensive medical and travel ensure during their stay). Apply: Positions are available immediately, and positions will be filled with the first qualified applicants. To apply, email [email protected] with your CV and a letter of interest. Be sure to mention where you found our announcement. More information: You can learn more about us through our website www.honko.org, our Facebook page, and our blog where we post regular photos and updates on all of Honko's community and conservation initiatives. You can also contact us with any questions at [email protected].
