Involvement Volunteers International Currently not running in Vanuatu but hoping to open back up in 2023. Check back soon or join another exciting project!
WHY we need you in Vanuatu
- In 2016, only around 57.8% of the population had access to electricity
- Over 12% of Vanuatu’s population live below the poverty line, with 1/3 of people lacking access to basic services
- Vanuatu experiences cyclones, that severely damage schools, homes and community buildings
- Vanuatu has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, as well as high blood pressure, mineral deficiencies and a lack of macronutrients
HOW can you help?
- Help to combat global warming and enviormental issues on a secluded island!
- Assist local workers to secure the unique biodiversity of marine life here in Vanuatu
- Contribute to Vanuatu's Tourism Industry, and learn to dive in the process
- Communitcate with the local workers, learn more about environmental conservation and how we can all help
WHAT can you do?
- Transport the grids needed to plant the corals, to the various project locations
- Position the grids on the ocean floor and plant the coral on the sea bed
- Deliver supplies from the mainland via boat transfers
- Your help on the project provides income to keep the project going, supporting the community
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- 4 Projects to Choose From in Vanuatu
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: MARINE CONSERVATION & DIVING
LOCATION: PELE ISLAND
START DATES: WEEKLY ARRIVALS (SAT/SUN)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Located on a beautiful and secluded island in Vanuatu, help the local marine conservation team plant a coral reef. The waters of Vanuatu are warm, clean and full of sea life, however similar to various coral reefs in Australia, the coral’s are affected by climate change and other environmental issues such as pollution and over fishing. By assisting in the project, you’re helping to secure the unique biodiversity of marine life in this beautiful region of the South Pacific.
This project is perfect for those interested in environmental conservation who want to enjoy diving & snorkeling. The work can be varied with volunteers helping the local experts in various tasks such as transporting grids to pre-selected project sites, positioning the grids on the ocean floor as well as transporting local supplies and materials from the mainland via boat among various other tasks.
Location
Pélé, is a volcanic island located north of Efate (Port Vila) Vanuatu. This remote destination is inhabited by less than 250 villagers. Since 2003, Pele is a Marine protected area and a popular diving location with various reefs, mangrove forests, lagoons and seagrass beds. Pele’s main source of income comes from tourism, but don’t worry it feels way off the beaten path. Income from tourism is distributed by the Village Tourism Committee and supports aims as village water supply projects.
Daily boat transfers are available from the north coast of Efate. This is truly a tropical paradise with steep volcanic faces and white sandy beachs found in various locations.
Project Tasks
- Coral gardening- attach broken coral fragments to grids
- Plant the coral grids on the sea beds
- Help transport supplies from the mainland
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in a dedicated house very close to the beach! Volunteers will share a bedroom with up to 2-4 persons per room (single gender rooms). There is WiFi included in public areas, laundry facilities (at small additional fee), lockable rooms, cold/warm showers, bed linen, mosquito protection and fans included. Volunteers are requested to bring their own towel. Living with other volunteers in a dormitory-style house is heaps of fun and a great way to meet like minded travelers. The volunteer house is in close proximity to a basic supermarkets, ATM, fresh fruit and vegetable stands, petrol stations and bus stop.
*You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy.
3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 meals a day on weekends will be provided for the duration of your placement. Food will be mainly authentic to the local culture which includes plenty of chicken dishes, coconut based curries, dhal (lentils), fresh fish, saffron rice and tropical fruits. Meals are served at your home stay each day or at the project site. There is also filtered water available at the volunteer center. Bottled water is also readily available in Vanuatu.
*If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.
Specialty
Projects
- Marine Conservation
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1 Week - $495
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2 Weeks - $795
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3 Weeks - $1145
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1 Month - $1495
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2 Months - $2995
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3 Months - $4395
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
- Application fee is one off per person (unlimited placements)
- Click Here to convert the below prices to your local currency
- Discounts may apply if travelling in a pair or group!
- All credit card /international fees included in below pricing! 🙂
Testimonials...
FAQ
This project is perfect for those interested in environmental conservation who want to enjoy diving & snorkeling. Since, you will be diving in shallow waters, a diving certificate is not compulsory. However, proper diving experience would be an additional benefit as it may be useful for specific tasks.
- Accommodation (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
- 2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Arrival Airport transfer
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
- Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
- In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Bauerfield International Airport (VLI). You must arrive between 08:00 to 20:00 on either the Saturday or Sunday. If arriving during the pickup times on the Saturday, we charge US$50 for the extra night’s accommodation.
If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.
If arriving during the week, or outside the pickup times on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before or after your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From Bauerfield International Airport to your accommodation it takes around 1 hour by road.
On the Monday of the first week of your program, you will receive a full day orientation. This includes advice on safety, cultural do’s and don’ts, house rules, introduction to projects and a tour of the local area. It is also time to settle in and meet the other volunteers.
For a much more in depth orientation and to explore some more of the local sites, you can also add on the culture week before your project. The one week orientation is a great way to prepare yourself better for the coming weeks where you will be more engaged with the local communities. Learn more about the culture of Vanuatu including a city tour and visits to interesting locations. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the local language, take Melanesian cooking classes, visit the blue lagoon and spend time being a tourist before your volunteer experience begins.
You will generally be assisting the local experts planting coral in the ocean, so a lot of time will be spent at the beach. There are also other activites to do such as transporting project supplies to various locations.
Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our team on the ground will help you organize additional trips at local rates! There’s heaps of things to see and do in Vanuatu, from museums and cultural centers to island hopping, hiking, water sports like snorkeling, diving, boating and fishing etc.
Since, you will be diving in shallow waters, a diving certificate is not compulsory. However, proper diving experience would be an additional benefit as it may be useful for specific tasks.
Covered in tropical rain forests, mountains and volcanoes, Vanuatu is a stunning group of 88 islands in the South Pacific. With the vast majority of islands uninhabited, the total population stands at approx 250,000. With the Solomon islands to the north, Fiji in the east and New Caledonia to the south, Vanuatu is known for it’s mostly volcanic archipelago, incredible diving, stunning scenery, warm and friendly hospitality and laid back rural lifestyle with calm atmosphere.
For most in Vanuatu, farming is the main source of income, hence significant economic issues exist in most parts of the country. With the main export crops consisting of beef, timber, copra, squash and cocao, many crops are highly influenced by local weather and cyclone damage and flooding are common. Tourism is becoming a major component of the local economy however there is not the strong tourism undertone that you would find in Fiji for example. It’s much more low key.
Very few employment activities exist outside the towns and regional government centers. Most villages outside Port Vila (the capital) have no electricity, and access to piped water is a luxury in many parts. Local traditions are strong and have been heavily influenced by colonization by the British and French. Christianity is the main religion practiced.
Vanuatu is warm year round and has a tropical/ sub tropical climate.
Novemeber to March is summer, which has an average temperature of 28 degrees. This brings hot, humid and rainy weather, as well as cyclones. Most of the resorts are in the South of the island, due to it’s cooler climate, less rainfall and less chance of extreme waether.
Winter is from April to October, with much cooler temperatures of around 23 degrees. The sea is warm all year round- perfect for swimming!
Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Dances, ceremonies, artistic styles, authority status, and cultural traditions can vary from island to island and district to district. The locals are so friendly and welcoming to tourists. Within villages, tribal alliances are still intact and money does not play a significant role in their daily lives. The pace and lifestyle is also very laid back. Do not worry too much about this, enjoy the island time!
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
