Be a volunteer for the Forest Conservation Program in Madagascar with Volunteering Solutions, which is meant for all those adventurous souls who are keen on exploring the island of Madagascar while contributing effectively towards preserving the richness & beauty of Mother Nature. Being a volunteer for this project, you will get the opportunity to understand the local environment and help monitor the spectacular array of wildlife found in Nosy Komba.
To assess the biodiversity, we use a variety of field survey techniques including Species ID, behavioural monitoring and comparisons, population assessments, pitfall traps, transect surveys, and active forest searches both during the day and at night, as well as visual and vocal identification of birds, and potential for mist-netting, etc. For invertebrates on Nosy Komba, we aim to create an inventory of butterfly and moth species.
Forest volunteers receive training on species identification, conducting field surveys, equipment set up and data collection. You'll be guided by professional conservations, during this volunteer trip. Thus, it'll be an incredible opportunity for you to learn through experiences.
A key component of the forest program is mangrove reforestation, where we focus on restoring and expanding mangrove ecosystems by planting seedlings on a seasonal basis. Mangroves are vital for coastal protection, providing habitats for diverse species and helping sequester carbon. By participating in this effort, you'll contribute to strengthening the resilience and ecological health of these essential coastal forests.
In addition, the local team also incorporate agroforestry and permaculture practices into the conservation strategy. These sustainable land use methods integrate trees with crops, fostering a balanced and productive ecosystem. Agroforestry and permaculture not only provide food and income for local communities but also support forest conservation and improve soil health.
Education and community engagement are core to the forest program. The local team run initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and sustainable practices. By involving local residents, we encourage a sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering them to become active stewards of the environment in their region.
Through a combination of forest and wildlife monitoring, mangrove reforestation, agroforestry, permaculture, and community education, the forest program plays a crucial role in protecting and preserving the critically endangered Sambirano forests in Northwest Madagascar.
Volunteers in the Forest Conservation Program gain the following important skills -
Species identification
Data collection
Sustainable agriculture techniques
Nursery skills
Farming practices
Identifying and removing invasive plants
Native species restoration
Planting and caring for mangrove seedlings
Permaculture design
Diverse crop planting
Community teaching
Environmental education
Upcycling waste
Cultural immersion
Currently, there are 4 most prominent focus areas, which are as follows:
Black Lemur Ecology – We study 3 groups of lemurs, all located in the closed-canopy forest, near to villages and human presence. We focus on the lemur’s relations with their habitat, home range, and group size. We also hope to estimate the lemur’s tolerance against habitat fragmentation and disturbance. In addition to this, we conduct behavioral comparisons between wild and habituated populations at the local lemur park.
Reptile Survey – We use two different methods, each focusing on different niches. In transect surveys, volunteers walk along set 250m transects using visual search to identify all reptiles and amphibians. During plot searches, volunteers actively search through a pre-defined plot looking for more cryptic species. In addition to the intensive transect and plot searches, we sometimes use pitfall traps to study ground-dwelling reptiles and amphibians. Most surveys happen during the day however we carry out weekly night walks for nocturnal species using the same methods.
Bird Survey – We conduct bird population surveys on the coast, in plantations, and in the forest. Point counts are conducted where birds are identified both visually and vocally. This survey allows us to study the seasonal occupancy, habitat preferences and provide updated data on the endemic bird species present on Nosy Komba.
Agroforest – The implementation of an agroforest in Nosy Komba is the first of its kind. With villages requiring to clear forest vegetation to grow crops, we are pioneering the concept of growing cash crops. These are crops such as coffee, vanilla and chilly. The crops will be grown without the need to destroy or interfere with valuable ecosystems. We combined this initiative with a sanitation program for the local village.
Volunteers will be working as a group under the supervision of the local staff. If this is your first time doing conservation work, don't worry! Our country coordinator will be there to guide you and provide you with adequate help and knowledge so that you can work with ease and have satisfactory volunteering experience.
Wildlife and Conservation
Environment Conservation
Teaching