Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Madagascar
- Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries, with around 74% living below the poverty line
- The country is 4th highest in the world for chronic malnutrition, with almost 1 in 2 children under five suffering from stunted growth
- Madagascar is prone to climate change issues and natural disasters, such as cyclones. This can badly damage infrastructure and peoples homes
- Around 46% of the population in Madagascar have access to clean drinking water & 85% lacking adequate sanitation facilities
- Deforestation and hunting have led to over 100 species of Madagascar's Lemur population becoming endangered
HOW can you help?
- Surveying the local reef system around the island
- Diving and snorkel surveys
- Fish Identification and turtle watch
- Data entry and analysis
WHAT can you do?
- Conducting underwater surveys on the local marine life
- Education in the local schools and communities on caring for the environment
- Beach cleans to help protect marine life
- Monitor coral reefs and better understand our marine environment
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: NOSY KOMBA ISLAND
START DATES: 1st & 3rd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
ACCOMMODATION: BASIC HUT (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: 4 WEEKS
MIN AGE: 18+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: PADI OW and Advanced Open Water (AOW) Certification, Criminal background check required
Overview
Help protect the local marine eco system, turtles and other marine life, and the coral reef off the coast of the stunning island of Nosy Komba.
Training
Volunteers undergo thorough training to equip them for research and data collection activities in our marine program. This training includes the identification of marine wildlife and plants, such as turtles, fish, corals, invertebrates, and macroalgae surveys. You’ll learn various transect surveying methodologies, a crucial skill in marine conservation used globally to monitor coral reefs and better understand our marine environment.
*All marine program volunteers must be at least PADI AOW certified (or equivalent). See more further down.
Volunteers are also required to bring the following items with them, as they are not available to purchase on the island:
- Mask with tempered glass
- Snorkel
- Spare mouthpiece for regulators
- Dive fins (open heels with booties are more comfortable for frequent use)
- Rash guard or wetsuit (we recommend a shortie, 2-3mm)
- Wriststrap compass (mandatory for PADI dive courses)
- Logbook (mandatory for dive courses, physical or online version)
- PADI E-learning (available to purchase online or from your local PADI dive store) or PADI Crew Pack (for Divemaster students)
- Large dive slate for surveys (A4 size) – smaller sizes cannot be used for surveys
- Pencils or graphite pens for diving
Optional Items:
- Regulator and BCD (highly encouraged)
- Dive bag or dry bag for boat trips
- Diving knife
- Waterproof watch or dive computer (resistant to 200 meters, optional but highly recommended)
- Donations of masks and wetsuits are very welcomed
What will you be doing?
Identification Dives: The best way to learn and for staff to assess your knowledge is by conducting ‘practice surveys’ after each presentation in your EMP course. Each lecture will be followed by a practice survey. The survey data will be compared between you and your instructor, and a debrief will be held after each dive to evaluate your progress and address any questions you may have.
Species Tests: We require you to achieve a mark of 80% or higher on the computer tests. We suggest attempting the first tests by at least the end of your second week to assess your progress and identify areas needing improvement. These are not formal tests but rather assessments. After each practice survey, a post-dive briefing will recap what was observed and how you performed.
Practical Surveys: Our MRCI dive staff will lead you through a series of practice surveys to help you become familiar and confident with the survey methodology and scientific diving techniques. After 3 to 4 practice surveys, you should be able to perform the surveys as accurately and efficiently as the staff, indicating you are ready to conduct surveys independently.
Ecological & Monitoring Dives: Volunteers will assist with underwater surveys, data collection, and analysis, contributing to our ecology and monitoring efforts. You will help identify and record species, measure and track changes in population sizes, and document environmental parameters. Volunteers may also tag and monitor marine animals, collect samples for genetic analysis, and assist with data entry and analysis. All surveys are conducted during 40 to 50-minute dives, with a staff member leading the dive. We currently have three independent survey sites along the coast of Nosy Komba, each with a series of 20m line transects that are regularly surveyed.
Turtle Monitoring Snorkelling Surveys: All volunteers will have the opportunity to conduct turtle snorkel surveys to monitor the turtle population at our survey sites. This snorkelling activity involves a team of 4-6 volunteers and a staff member leading the team. They swim in a line formation along the reef and seagrass bed, looking for turtles. When a turtle is sighted, the team records video footage of key identification features, such as the pattern on the head, shell, and body shape.
Upon returning to shore, the team analyses the footage and compares the sightings to the existing catalogue of resident and previously sighted turtles. All data is logged, and any new turtles are named by the volunteers and added to the catalogue. This activity is an excellent opportunity for marine volunteers, even while they are still undergoing dive or reef survey training.
Dry Activities
Data Entry and Analysis: With extensive scientific survey work being conducted underwater, we accumulate a significant amount of data and photos that need to be inputted and analysed. All volunteers assist with data entry on a rolling basis, and those willing and/or experienced in data handling undertake analysis.
Turtle Watch: Turtle Watch is conducted in 30-minute intervals throughout the day. Two volunteers observe the MPA from the lookout station on the base, recording sightings of turtles, boat activity, and other marine wildlife like dolphins. The data collected from Turtle Watch contributes to our long-term monitoring dataset, which tests the effectiveness of the MPA in boosting turtle numbers and assesses correlations with seasonality and boat disturbances.
Beach Cleans and Village Cleans: Beach clean-ups and community awareness initiatives are vital in reducing the negative impact of plastic pollution on marine life. The significant tidal range around Nosy Komba offers an excellent opportunity for marine volunteers to clean the beaches and rocks at low tide, collecting marine litter.
Education Workshops and Community Work: All MRCI volunteers engage in workshops and classes for local schools in the neighbouring villages and universities. Volunteers plan forest and marine-oriented classes, along with fun scientific lectures or presentations, to engage with the locals, explain our mission, and help them understand how and why they should conserve their natural environment.
IMPORTANT
To participate in MRCI marine conservation survey work, you must be at least PADI AOW certified (or equivalent). Scientific survey work while diving requires accuracy and skill that can only be acquired through advanced dive training.
If you do not have any training, you are able to complete the OW and AOW courses in Madagascar, paying the extra fee to the local team on arrival.
You will need both…
PADI Open Water (OW) Certification: If you are a new diver, you must purchase and complete your PADI Open Water E-Learning Theory before arriving in Madagascar. This allows you to start your practical dive training immediately. Internet is limited on Nosy Komba, making it difficult to complete E-learning once on camp.
PADI Advanced Open Water (AOW) Certification: If you are already OW certified or completing your OW onsite in Madagascar, you must also purchase and complete your PADI Advanced Open Water E-learning Theory before arrival.
If you are already AOW certified or above/equivalent, you can start participating in survey work and training for reef surveys as soon as you complete a PADI Scuba Review.
Additional PADI Courses: You may also be able to purchase other PADI courses, such as Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response, and Dive Master training.
Location
Nosy Komba, a charming island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is known for its lush greenery, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Often referred to as “Lemur Island,” it is home to a thriving population of lemurs that roam freely. The island’s picturesque villages are inhabited by friendly locals who practice traditional Malagasy crafts and fishing. Our location is fairly remote, being a 30 minute hike over rocky terrain or accessible by boat.
Project Tasks
- Underwater surveys
- Data entry
- Beach cleans
- Community education
- Turtle watch
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation
The primary camp, is located on Nosy Komba Island, about 6 miles from Nosy Be, where the international airport is situated. Our facilities include a main house, staff accommodation, and a dining area, along with cold water showers and flush toilet units. You will stay in single gender open air huts, with two to three double bunks in each. Private room upgrades are also available for an additional cost (subject to availability).
Volunteers need to bring their own bedding (thin sheet), pillows, pillowcases, bath towels, mosquito nets, and a lightweight sleeping bag (this is suggested for the cooler months of June to August). Outside of these times you can get away with just a thin sheet as it is hot and humid in Madagascar.
Power for lights is supplied by solar panels, with a backup generator for the local team that runs 1-2 hours per week. The camp has limited power points available for charging devices and since there is no other electricity at camp, we recommend volunteers bring solar chargers for their devices and to minimise the use of electronic devices. The accommodation is accessible by boat or a 30-minute walk across rocky terrain from the village. WiFi can be found in the local village, and you can also purchase a local SIM card with data when you arrive in Madagascar. The main house accommodates senior staff and serves as a meeting place for volunteers during the day. Large decks line the front of the main house, complete with hammocks, bean bags, and benches. There is also a work area for volunteers, as well as lockable storage boxes available for each hut to store small valuables. Volunteers should bring a padlock to secure personal items in their luggage when not in use.
Please conserve power and water as much as possible during your stay. This includes not leaving lights on unnecessarily, limiting showers to one per day, and turning off the water when not in direct use (e.g., while brushing teeth or lathering up in the shower).
Food
Volunteers are served three meals per day, prepared in the traditional Madagascan style by an on-site Malagasy cook.
Meals are tasty but may be more basic than what you are used to, with rice served most meals. Breakfast ranges from pancakes to eggs or bread with condiments. Lunch is typically rice or pasta-based, while dinner is usually rice with beans and a sauce. Meals will generally include chicken, zebu (beef), or fish, along with vegetables. For programs where you will be away from camp during lunch can arrange for a packed lunch through the local team the night before. Please keep in kind supplies in Madagascar are limited, and meals will change seasonally depending on the ingredients available on Nosy Be.
Please note that the local team cannot cater to special dietary requirements or requests. Vegans can eat the vegetarian meals, but will may need to buy extra food off site. We ask volunteers to be flexible or prepared to supplement the provided food. If supplementing food, be aware that there is no refrigerator, and the kitchen is not available for volunteer use as it is a traditional kitchen. Volunteers can store non-perishable items at camp or eat out at local restaurants. A small canteen is available on Nosy Komba where volunteers can purchase snacks. Snacks should be stored in containers located in the dining area.
FEES
Specialty
Nosy Komba
- Marine Conservation
-
1 Week - n/a
-
2 Weeks - n/a
-
3 Weeks - n/a
-
4 Weeks - $2060
-
8 Weeks - $3610
-
12 Weeks - $5160
- Private rooms cost additional $250 p/week
FAQ...
You will need a good level of fitness as this program may require walking over rocky terrain to get to the program/accommodation, as well as some more remote locations whilst on project.
You will also need to be a competent swimmer and have completed both PADI OW and Advanced Open Water (AOW) Courses.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day
- Arrival airport transfer
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
On your first Monday, you will have a short orientation, with details of what to expect on your program, rules of the program, lesson on the local culture and customs and safety advice.
You must arrive to Fascene Airport (NOS) airport before 12 noon, on the Sunday before your program.
The last boat departs from Nosy Be to Nosy Komba at approximately 3pm daily, so you need to arrive before 12pm to be able to go directly to camp. If you cannot arrive before 12pm on Sunday, we suggest arriving on Saturday and staying the night in Hellville, Nosy Be at your own expense. You will be able to meet the team at a nearby cafe the next morning (Sunday) and they will escort you to the boat across to camp on Nosy Komba.
If you are arriving before 12pm on Saturday, you can still get picked up from Nosy Be airport and be taken to the island but will need to pay an additional charge for the Saturday night.
Each program generally includes morning and afternoon activities. After dinner, we hold a briefing to discuss the activities for the following day.
NOTE: The schedule may vary widely depending on the project, tides, and other factors for that day.
Sample Schedule:
- 06:00-08:00: Breakfast at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
- 08:00-11:30: Morning activities on the project
- 12:00: Lunch at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
- 13:30: Afternoon activities on the project
- 16:00-17:00: Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
- 18:00: Dinner at the camp prepared by our in-house cooks
- 18:45: Board briefing to review activities for the following day
NOTE: There will be varying amounts of downtime during the listed morning and afternoon program activities depending on the day and project.
Volunteers have weekends off and can explore various areas of Nosy Komba and the nearby islands during their free time. While volunteers must organize these trips independently, contact information from past volunteers is available at the camp, providing guidance on how to arrange excursions and whom to book through.
Popular activities and destinations include:
- Lokobe Forest Reserve
- Discovery Scuba Dive (with MRCI)
- Tanikely Natural Reserve
- Visits to Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (for swimming and snorkeling)
- Whale Shark Watching (seasonal from September to November)
- Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
- Hiking up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
- Visiting Lemur Land Park on Nosy Be or the Lemur Park in Ampang Village on Nosy Komba
- Ankarana National Park
- Amber Mountain National Park
- Plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
- The city of Diego Suarez
IMPORTANT
To participate in MRCI marine conservation survey work, you must be at least PADI AOW certified (or equivalent). Scientific survey work while diving requires accuracy and skill that can only be acquired through advanced dive training.
If you do not have any training, you are able to complete the OW and AOW courses in Madagascar, paying the extra fee to the local team on arrival.
You will need both…
PADI Open Water (OW) Certification: If you are a new diver, you must purchase and complete your PADI Open Water E-Learning Theory before arriving in Madagascar. This allows you to start your practical dive training immediately. Internet is limited on Nosy Komba, making it difficult to complete E-learning once on camp.
PADI Advanced Open Water (AOW) Certification: If you are already OW certified or completing your OW onsite in Madagascar, you must also purchase and complete your PADI Advanced Open Water E-learning Theory before arrival.
If you are already AOW certified or above/equivalent, you can start participating in survey work and training for reef surveys as soon as you complete a PADI Scuba Review. Additional PADI Courses: You may also be able to purchase other PADI courses, such as Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response, and Dive Master training.
Level of Fitness
Volunteers need a reasonable level of fitness. Our main camp is on Nosy Komba, a volcanic island with no roads or cars. Volunteers navigate the island by walking along beaches, taking local boat transfers, or using forest paths, which may be rugged. Good physical fitness is required for the Forest Conservation Program, as survey sites involve climbing over rocks and up steep mountain trails.
Clothing
Casual, modern clothing is perfectly acceptable. While out in the villages, especially forproject work, it is advisable to wear conservative clothing that is not overly tight or revealing.Shorts and tank tops for around camp and at weekends are acceptable as long as theyprovide reasonable coverage.
Money
Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs located on Nosy Komba, therefore all cash needs to be drawn from ATMs located in neighbouring Nosy Be.
Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island, known for its rich biodiversity and culture. This exotic country is home to some unique wildlife, including 101 different lemur species, 285 bird species (105 of which are unique to the country). You can also find 860 orchid species, that are native to the island, as well as 6 of the world’s 8 incredible baobab trees, found nowhere else in the world. Over 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is native and cannot be seen in the wild anywhere else on earth. Human presence however, is constantly threatening these natural wonders.
Madagascar is a very culturally distinctive island, with 18 ethnic groups forming the Malagasy population, whose customs are based on the respect of their ancestors and the harmony of the living. The country also has many multi cultures, taking influence from Arabic, Chinese, Indian, French and English settlers.
Although being a large island, it is also a very poor country, with 75.3% of Malagasy living below the poverty line. The gap between the rich and poor is increasing more and more. Despite this poverty, Malagasy people are very much open-hearted to anyone and welcome visitors to explore their beautiful island and cultural heritage.
You will be greeted with smiles and friendly locals and can be sure that a trip to Madagascar will be the ultimate adventure! Not only will you discover an entirely new culture (think of it as a mix between African & Asian influences), you will also explore the incredible flora and fauna this island has to offer.
Madagascar has a hot, subtropical climate with cooler temperatures in the mountains. There are two main climate seasons: the rainy season from November to March and the dry season from April to October. The length of each season does vary from one region to another. As Madagascar is a large country, terrain, weather patterns and climate can change quite dramatically between regions.
Central Highlands
Because of the altitude, the temperature in the Central Highlands sits around 25°C. From June to August this goes down to a chilly 5°C. The wet season starts in November until March or April but is also the warmest season in the Highlands, with an average of 28° / 30°C.
Northern Madagascar
There are several climatic zones in Northern Madagascar.
On the North-Western coast around Mahajanga, there are two distinct seasons, a dry and warm season from May to November and a hot and wet season from December to April, with temperatures reaching over 35°C. Around Ambanja and Nosy Be, there is a micro-climate with wet and dry seasons, although rainfall is more evenly dispersed throughout the year. Temperatures are warm all year round, with an average of 28°C.
Southern Madagascar
The rains start from January to March. The rest is almost completely dry, especially on the South-western coast from Toliara. Around Fort-Dauphin, there can be a little more rain, but still very dry. It gets really hot from February to May and between October and December. The most pleasant period is during the winter, from June to September, with temperatures around 25°C.
Eastern Madagascar
Eastern Madagascar is known for consistent rainfall, although this decreases when moving southwards. The driest season is from August to December, but still with downpours almost every day. February to March is cyclone season with heavy rain, so best to avoid. March, April and December are the warmest months with an average temperature of 30°C. Temperatures are cooler throughout the rest of the year, sitting between 20°C to 28°C, and nights being a little cooler.
Western Madagascar
From May to November is dry season with little rain and pleasant temperatures from 20°C to 25°C. Wet season is from December to April, and it rains heavily, depending on the area. The warmest months are March and April and November and December, with an average temperature of 30°C or more.
In general, the best months to visit Madagascar are between April to mid-December.
January to March is cyclone season, so we would advise against travelling to Madagascar during this time.
Heavy rains can still be expected in April, May and June, but between these showers there’s sunshine. However, the wet season does make the landscape lush and green, with wildlife such as lemurs and reptiles often visible.
July to August is a great time to spot humpback whales as they arrive in Ile St Marie. The weather is cool and dry, making this a pleasant time to explore. During September, Humpback whales can still be seen in Ile St Marie, whilst lemurs begin to give birth to their babies.
In October, temperatures begin to increase around the country, but you will see colourful purple jacarandas in bloom. From November to December, temperatures continue to increase, as well as an increase in rainfall. At this time lemurs, reptiles and tenrecs can often be spotted.
Some of Madagascar’s people, such as the Indonesian-looking Merina’s, are believed to be descendants of sailors from Indonesia and Malaya, who reached the island by travelling over the Indian Ocean. These Asian migrants introduced their beliefs to the country, as well as their rice-based diet.
There is also an African and Arab influence in the population. Arab merchants and African migrants travelled to Madagascar centuries ago and include the Arabic Antaimoro people in the east of the island and the Sakalava to the west. The Malagasy language includes several Bantu and Swahili words.
Today, there’s 18 diverse ethnic groups living in Madagascar. These include Merina, Betsimisaraka, Betsileo, Tsimihety, Antaimoro and Sakalava. Despite the ethnic variety, Malagasy people share a common culture and language.
The Malagasy language has Asian origin, similar to the language spoken in Borneo. The dialect is very poetical, descriptive and rich in metaphors. For example, where we might say “dusk”, the Malagasy will say “maizim-bava vilany” which means “when the mouth of the cooking pot is dark”.
The Asian-African origin of the island’s inhabitants has led to a unique and distinguished culture, with a multitude of set beliefs and customs.
One of the main beliefs is in the power of dead ancestors, or “razana”. These spirits are believed to still look after their descendants even after they have passed. The wishes of these ancestors are to be respected and obeyed. Because of this, families and communities have certain taboos known as “fady”, like avoiding certain actions to ensure the approval of the “razana”.
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