Lemur Research and Conservation Program

  Madagascar

• Other Cities in Madagascar: 
Fort Dauphin

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Inquire for specific dates

Description: Looking for a wildlife experience like no other?

Then join Azafady in Madagascar and help to conserve the fragile and unique environment of southeast Madagascar as well as aiding the protection of the charismatic lemur species found nowhere else on earth. You also gain skills and experience in biological research methods, tree planting work, and practical work with local communities. You get all this whilst living and working amongst some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Madagascar.

The Azafady Lemur Research and Conservation programme offers interns and volunteers the opportunity to get involved in various aspects of on-going conservation work in southeast Madagascar, working with a multi award-winning charity. The project integrates research on endangered flora and fauna with community initiatives such as reforestation and environmental education.

Interns and volunteers can choose from five core modules which cover the different aspects of this conservation work. These 2-week modules in Lemur Study, Biodiversity Research and Monitoring, Reforestation Work, Environmental Education and Construction can be taken individually, or combined, so individual programmes can be between 2 to 10 weeks long.

Project Activities

Lemur Study - investigate the impact of forest fragmentation on lemur populations including the collared brown lemur, woolly lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, and the brown mouse lemur using a variety of research methods.

Biodiversity Research and Monitoring - collect data on the flora and fauna of the littoral forests of Sainte Luce specifically focusing on two palm species and a gecko species which are categorised as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Reforestation work - help to protect native forests and improve the livelihoods of local communities by providing sustainable sources of timber and firewood including working on improved stoves initiatives, tree planting and seed collection.

Environmental Education - provide long term environmental education for the schools in the Sainte Luce region with interns preparing and presenting environmental education lessons assisted by our partners and translators.

Accommodation

Camping facilities are provided throughout the programme, although volunteers going for longer than 4 weeks do need to bring their own tent. Facilities are basic but there will always be latrine and private washing facilities. Electricity and piped water are available when in Fort Dauphin, however in the field, water is collected and then treated from rivers and wells. In St Luce you will be camping in one of the most beautiful areas of Madagascar, with idyllic long sandy beaches and fantastic exotic forests just a short walk away.

Food

All meals are provided throughout the scheme. Meals mainly consist of rice, beans, vegetables and fruit. Fish (or eggs for vegetarians) are provided when possible. The best possible treated drinking water is always available.

Why intern with us?

Azafady is not alone in offering you the opportunity to spend a part of your life overseas. What makes us different is that we are a UK registered charity (number 1079121) and our programmes are not-for-profit schemes. Funds generated from the programmes are invested right back into our projects in Madagascar, rather than into a private company. By joining one of our programmes we can promise you a genuine, worthwhile volunteering experience. Our volunteering projects are also award winning. We are proud to announce that we have been named "Best Volunteering Organization" at the 2007 Responsible Tourism Awards.

Highlights: Set in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island and is recognized as one of the planet's top conservation priorities. Eighty per cent of the island's plant and animal species (including 71 species of lemur) are found nowhere else on earth. The Azafady Conservation Programme offers a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution towards helping some of the world's most threatened flora and fauna, while tailoring your experience to your own needs and interests, gaining field skills in anything from Lemur Research to environmental education with local communities.

Cost in US$: from USD 990 at current exchange rate

Don't let the size of the required donation put you off! Azafady is there to support volunteers in raising this donation, with a wealth of fund-raising experience and resources available to volunteers.

Minimum donations are as follows;

First 2-week module GBP 600
Second 2-week module GBP 550
All further 2-week modules GBP 500

Please Note: Applicants from outside the UK must raise a donation equivalent to the UK Sterling amount based on current exchange rates.

This is made up of GBP 500 which secures your place on a particular scheme, and the remainder of the balance which is due at the latest three weeks before departure. We are of course delighted if volunteers are able to raise more than the minimum donation. Once we've received your application form, one of our experienced Regional Coordinators will give you a call to find out if you have any further questions or simply if you want to find out what volunteering is all about.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 65+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Madagascar Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 15

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

Azafady's Mission Statement: Azafady is a registered UK charity (no. 1079121) and Malagasy NGO working to alleviate poverty, improve well-being and preserve beautiful unique environments in southeast Madagascar. We are an award winning team that works alongside rural communities on humanitarian and sustainable livelihoods projects, helping communities to build a better future for themselves.

Year Founded: 1994