Do you want to help save the world’s rain forests? What about lemurs –
do you like lemurs? Would you like to do something about climate change?
If, yes, please join the volunteer program with Omaha’s Henry Doorly
Zoo & Aquarium (OHDZA) and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
(MBP)! We’re looking for highly motivated volunteers to join our
on-going reforestation program in southeastern Madagascar. This area is
home to nine lemur species, several of which are critically endangered.
Habitat loss threatens the remaining yet unprotected forest fragments,
but you can help. In December 2016, we reached an important five-year
milestone of planting one million trees in partnership with local
communities. This grassroots reforestation effort seeks reconnect and
expand natural habitats over the mountainous terrain around Kianjavato
while sustainably benefiting the 14,000 area residents. With new grant
funding and growing interest from neighboring villages, the
reforestation program will be expanding in 2017.
You’ll have a dynamic daily work routine; you may be working at the
primary field station or at the multiple tree nurseries; you could be
collecting seeds within an established forest; or at a field site
preparing for a community planting event. Duties may include sorting
compost, placing seedlings into growing bags, organizing the tree
inventory, transplanting trees with the local community groups or school
children. The ultimate goal of the reforestation program is to plant
one million trees as a means to establish corridors between forest
fragments and restore ecosystem services. In order reach this
substantial goal, there is a need for streamlining the reforestation
effort – from seed collection, germination, and transplantation – and
this is where the volunteers can make a significant and lasting
contribution to the project.
The schedule for the reforestation volunteer may vary, but will operate
during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with members of the
reforestation team and nursery staff arriving at the job site around
7:00am. You will typically work with three other volunteers and a team
of knowledgeable Malagasy field guides. The reforestation team consists
of rotating OHDZA employees, Malagasy MBP field assistants and graduate
students, along with numerous nursery managers and assistants from the
local community.
Adequate physical fitness is required. We prefer volunteers with at
least a BA or BSc in the biological or environmental sciences, tropical
restoration and forest management experience is a plus. Some
independent research experience will be an advantage, as will work or
travel experience in tropical countries. A willingness to work in
isolated conditions, the ability to solve problems independently, and
dedication to a positive and respectful working environment are
required.
For a more details, please visit the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
at
http://madagascarpartnership.org/volunteering/
Term of Appointment: Entry is required under a 90 day tourist visa, thus
volunteers are limited to a 90 day stay.
Application Deadline: The positions will be filled by the first
qualified applicants. This in an on-going call for volunteers and we are
currently looking for volunteers throughout 2017, beginning in May.
***FOR CANDIDATES WITH THE ABILITY TO JOIN THE MAY 2017 COHORT***
WE ARE OFFERING A LIMITED-TIME $200 DISCOUNT ON THE VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
FEES!
Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and
contact information for a few professional references to Dr. Ed Louis
(mbp AT madagascarpartnership DOT org).
