Learn about the day to day running of a field based NGO
Embark on an exciting marine conservation adventure in Mozambique! You’ll join a nonprofit organization that does important marine research and conservation work, and help with the daily management and development of these programs. It’s an opportunity to learn a great deal about marine life in the Indian Ocean, and the conservation needs of the area. You’ll gain practical work experience in research, lab work, and other elements involved in the day to day running of this research program, while contributing to the protection of marine life in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Not unimportantly, you’ll get to spend a few months in paradise! As a marine conservation volunteer, you’ll live and work on Benguerra Island, where the research station is based. It’s a stunning island, framed by white sandy beaches, and surrounded by the most incredible abundance of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles. An incredible setting for an exciting and unique learning experience.
What you can expect to gain during this marine conservation project;
- Learn about the many facets involved in the day to day running of a Marine NGO
- Gain a good understanding of marine conservation challenges in the Indian Ocean
- Become a great diver, and learn about doing research tasks during your dives
- Enjoy a beautiful immersive experience of living on an island in the most stunning setting
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a nonprofit organisation that provides a platform for multifaceted marine conservation research. The overall goal of the center, which is the first permanent marine observatory in Africa, is to study the rich ecosystem in the Archipelago and to use the data to address conservation needs on both a local and regional level. This is done through a combination of environmental sensors, measurements and surveys to understand changes in the environment using time-series techniques.
The main activities of the center are;
- Time-series monitoring of the local marine ecosystems to detect and predict climate-driven changes of biological and chemical changes. This involves seawater sampling, collection of species for microscopic analysis, and using sensors to measure oceanographic parameters.
- Species identification and habitat mapping. This involves conducting coastal and underwater surveys to study marine life hotspots.
- Studying of migratory partners of marine life. This involves locating certain species, taking bio-samples, and studying these in a laboratory setting.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
What you’ll do
As a marine conservation volunteer on this program, you’ll help manage the day to day running of a marine research center, which will make for a varied portfolio of tasks. Your tasks depend on the duration of your participation but can include;
- Help collect data during diving expeditions
- Assist with shark and fish tagging, seawater sampling, and marine debris monitoring
- Assist with laboratory work
- Deploy cameras and landers and identity marine life from videos
- Assist with 3D seabed mapping
- Help raise awareness of marine conservation in local communities on the mainland
- Assist with permaculture projects on the mainland
Requirements
- A flexible and resourceful approach
- A passion for marine conservation
- Ideally experience in diving, although you can also do the PADI course when you arrive. If you last dive was more than six months ago on the day of arrival, you will need to do a refresher course (USD 120).
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
During this marine conservation project, you’ll be staying at the research center on Benguerra Island. The island is one of five small islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago, a protected conservation area and national park. You’ll wake up every morning with views of clear turquoise waters and wide sandy beaches. Quite the place to live for a couple of months!
The center is carefully designed to blend in to its surroundings and to have a minimum carbon footprint; it’s built with local materials, it runs on solar energy, and it has zero-waste policies. You’ll enjoy comfortable accommodation with shared dorms rooms and plenty of communal areas to relax in. And since it’s a fully serviced accommodation, you’ll be cooked three meals a day.
DATES & RATES
This program is offered throughout the year and preferably you start at the beginning of the month.
What you’ll pay in 2022
2 weeks USD 1,650
4 weeks USD 3,000
6 weeks USD 4,300
8 weeks USD 5,400
What you are paying for:
- Serviced accommodation on Benguerra Island
- Three meals a day
- Airport transfers to and from Vilankulos
- Visa transport to Maxixe (for visa extension)
- Park fees
- Guidance by a professional team of marine conservationists
- Regular check ins during your internship with you and your supervisor
- Your own account on a career development platform that offers content and courses focused on exploring different career opportunities
- Trouble shooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Note that if you don’t have your diving certification, you’ll have the opportunity to do a PADI diving course on the island – and you’ll get a 20% discount as an intern.
Excludes:
- Visa fees and medical/travel insurance costs
- Flight to and from Vilankulos
- Optional additional leisure activities and courses (though you’ll get a 20% discount on a PADI diving course)
- Transport to/from optional weekend and leisure activities
QUICK FACTS
 |
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique |
 |
Marine NGO |
 |
Operations, Outreach, Research |
 |
2-8 weeks |
 |
USD 1,650 |
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
”I was lucky enough to get experience with a very optimistic and hard working research team. My time here taught me to bring nature into my life in a more sustainable way as well as learn more about scientific academia. Moreover, having a good work community is key. They were a great bunch of people and taught me a lot in terms of engaging with people in your team. The beauty of Benguerra made passion easy, the dives were great for macro sightings and the team was very energizing.
Georgia, South Africa, Marine Conservation Program
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Work alongside scientists and conservationists and learn about pressing issues and solutions in the Indian Ocean
- Learn what’s involved with management of a nonprofit research center
- Join exciting diving expeditions and collect important data
- Assist with varied tasks, including lab work, seabed mapping, and marine debris monitoring
- Help raise awareness in local communities for the need to do marine conservation work
- Live and work in an absolute tropical paradise
- Enjoy amazing travel opportunities in your time off
2 WEEKS USD 1,650
4 WEEKS USD 3,000
6 WEEKS USD 4,300
8 WEEKS USD 5,400
4 WEEKS USD 3,000
6 WEEKS USD 4,300
8 WEEKS USD 5,400
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
RELATED PROGRAMS
Wildlife Research Internship
- Min. 8 weeks
- Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
- Education, Data capture & Analysis, Community Projects
Gain scientific research experience studying endemic species of flora and fauna.
Project Assistant Internship
- Min. 3 months
- Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
- Coordination, Fundraising, Communications
Gain multifaceted working experience doing vital work to protect the Cloud Forest
Social Internship in Amsterdam
- 3-6 months
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Social work, Project coordination, Digital Marketing
Get involved with a wide array of social work, project coordination, and volunteer management.
