The program is based in the beautiful coastal region of Sainte Luce which is surrounded by extremely rare and threatened fragments of littoral (coastal) forest. It integrates practical hands-on conservation research about endangered flora and fauna, in particular lemurs, reptiles and amphibians, with community initiatives and environmental education; building the understanding of the community about the complex habitats of which they are the stewards. The programme consists of 2 core modules:

• Lemur and Biodiversity Research
• Community Conservation

The volunteer scheme is designed as a 10-week programme starting at the beginning of January, April, July and October each year, but is split into two-week blocks; allowing those of you with time constraints to still visit Madagascar and make a valuable contribution to our long-term conservation work. Volunteers can join the programme for 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 weeks. However, the work in each two-week block is varied and the programme is designed to combine modules allowing individuals to gain a more in depth understanding of our integrated approach to conservation. Consequently, volunteers usually stay for longer periods of time ranging from one month to the full ten weeks.

Lemur and Biodiversity Module

The focus of the Lemur & Biodiversity Research module is to investigate the impact of forest fragmentation on lemur, reptile and amphibian populations by collecting data in the littoral (coastal) forests in Sainte Luce, situated in south east Madagascar.

Typical Working Day

The daily schedule varies tremendously depending on study activity and location but a typical day in the field starts at 7.30am (though earlier in summer) with breakfast. Then you head into the forest to work on the module until just before midday. A typical activity is walking a lemur transect through a fragment of littoral forest – once spotted, with the help of the local guides, you will be recording critical data including the number and sex of lemurs, and sometimes observing their behaviour. Another day, you could find yourself identifying reptile and amphibian species by 'sweeping' through the forest floor.

After a two-hour break during the heat of the day for lunch to eat, nap, relax or sunbathe, as well as time to evaluate the morning's progress or have a Malagasy language lesson – the afternoon work session starts around 2pm. Afternoon sessions may be spent discussing research techniques, continuing with a lemur or reptile transect, or collecting habitat data.

Day trips might be taken when transects are far from camp, and occasional reconnaissance trips to nearby forest fragments may be made to assess the potential for future research.

Evenings are very sociable affairs and generally volunteers discuss their days amongst each other whilst having supper together at around 6pm, and then prepare for the next day. On some evenings you may find yourself doing nocturnal transects; walking through the littoral forests searching for nocturnal species of lemurs or reptiles, typically from 7pm - 11pm.

Community Conservation Module

The Community Conservation module encompasses the human dimension of conservation in the Sainte Luce region; focusing on environmental education of the children in Ambandrika village (one of the three hamlets in Sainte Luce) combined with the implementation of the fuel-efficient stove project and the planting and evaluation of the critically endangered palm, Dypsis saintlucei.

Typical Working Day

The daily schedule varies tremendously depending on project priorities at the time but a typical day in the field starts at 7.30am (though earlier in summer) with breakfast. Then you will head into the forest or local community to work on the module until just before midday. A typical activity is working with local households to promote the use of fuel-efficient stoves; you will be building the stoves from scratch with the help of the Azafady staff and the local community which will involve sieving and sorting materials and then the fun (and messy!) bit of construction.

After a two-hour break during the heat of the day for lunch to eat, nap, relax or sunbathe, as well as time to evaluate the morning's progress or have a Malagasy language lesson - the afternoon work session starts around 2pm. Afternoon sessions may be spent continuing with fuel-efficient stoves, preparing an environmental education lesson plan, running an education session, or going out into the forest to research the endangered palms.

Evenings are very sociable affairs and generally volunteers discuss their days amongst each other whilst having supper together around 6pm, and preparing for the next day. On some evenings you will find yourself doing nocturnal walks; walking through the littoral forests to get a glimpse of nocturnal species of lemurs (found by their eye-shine) or reptiles.

• No special skills or qualifications are needed as all required skills are learned. However, while practical & research experience is welcome, enthusiasm & sensitivity are a must. Successful applicants will learn skills associated with conservation and rural development work.
• Age range 18-60+

Azafady Conservation Programme volunteers camp for the duration of the scheme and, whilst camping facilities are provided, longer-term volunteers will need to bring their own tent. When in Fort Dauphin (usually on arrival and departure), volunteers will camp at the stunning lake‐side site of Lanirano which is fully equipped with flush toilets and showers, as well as electricity for charging cameras, ipods, mobile phones, etc. Laundry services are also available locally. Whilst working in the bush, toilets are 'long drop', we collect and treat water from rivers and wells, and usually there is no access to electricity. Although conditions will be more basic than you are used to, you will be camping in some of the most beautiful sites in the world – you will wake up to deserted beaches and forests teeming with wildlife right on your doorstep.

A resident cook travels with the team into the bush and is responsible for preparing meals. Food is simple, but tasty and nutritionally balanced. Meals mainly consist of rice and beans supplemented with fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and eggs when available.

Once in Madagascar, Azafady staff will arrange for a pick-up from the airport in Fort Dauphin.

To participate in this program volunteers will need to arrange a three-month visa which Azafady will help you apply for.

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

Minimum donation covers:

• All in-country travel costs (not flights)
• All in-country project costs
• Full training in all aspects of project work
• Use of campsite facilities
• A full-time London-based dedicated staff member to answer all your pre-project questions, including fundraising advice
• A dedicated team to guide you in Madagascar
• Orientation and language classes upon arrival in Madagascar
• Day trip to a local nature reserve for an up-close experience with various species of lemurs

Minimum donation does not cover

• Entry visa & travel insurance
• Medical preparations & vaccinations
• Personal equipment
• Personal medicines & any other medical costs during your stay
• Any private travel during your stay in Madagascar