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15 dage

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Curieuse Island

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Curieuse Island

Gruppestørrelse

Maximum 12

Travel to Curieuse Island and join one of the leading marine and terrestrial data collection organisations in the Seychelles. Take part in critical research and conservation research within a national park and help support the creation of conservation policies. Live amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world as you work with endemic flora and fauna while also contributing towards the long-term survival of endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle.

Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters are a national park, managed by our principal in-country partner, Seychelles National Parks Authority. Our beach-front camp is located on the white sand beach of Anse St Jose and overlooks Praslin (Seychelles' second largest island), a short boat ride away.

Join a team of international volunteers as an expedition member and volunteer, assisting on priority conservation projects. You will work with an abundance of flora and fauna whilst living the island life, surrounded by the striking azure waters of the marine park.

Work with the critically endangered sea turtles which nest on the island; study nesting success in Hawksbill and Green turtles, collect data such as tag numbers, carapace (shell) measurements and number of eggs laid or carry out nest excavations to measure hatching success. Help us track down Sickle-fin Lemon shark pups for our catch-and-release project, gathering population and growth rate information on this understudied species. Record the rate of coastal erosion with our beach profiling surveys. Collect growth and reproductive data for the endemic and unique Coco de Mer palm tree. Assist in our annual census of the island's Aldabra Giant tortoise population and keep tabs on the growth rates of hatchlings and juvenile tortoises in the nursery.

If you are looking to learn more about conservation, contribute to a meaningful project and want to spend some time in an incredible location, you don't have to look any further. Our monitoring program and work schedules change seasonally; which projects are available will depend on the time of year you visit - speak to our team for further details.

Highlights
Living in one of the most visually stunning countries in the world, working alongside local partners, getting up close and personal with the island's amazing wildlife: watch as a female Hawkbill turtle crawls out of the sea to lay her eggs, help sea turtle hatchlings in their journey to the sea or release a baby shark after collecting valuable measurements. Climb into a Coco de Mer Palm with stunning views over the bay, take a minute to unwind in the company of the island's gentle Giant tortoises or relax with a swim in the Indian Ocean at the end of a hard days work. Snorkel in crystal clear waters alongside coral, fish, turtles, eagle-rays and reef sharks, and spot dolphins from the boat. Hike to the top of Mount Curieuse for a stunning panorama, or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Vallee de Mai. Spend your free time exploring neighbouring islands, sign-up for a try-dive or add some more to your logbook at a local PADI centre. Experience breath-taking sunsets, make life-long friends and have an amazing and unique adventure amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Itinerary

Experience the beautiful Indian Ocean paradise of the Seychelles islands. Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters are rich in wildlife, the setting for terrestrial and construction programs. The paradise of the Seychelles is the ideal location to volunteer, gain new skills on our internships or enjoy a short volunteer holiday in a well-preserved and tranquil tropical archipelago.

This expedition covers a wide range of conservation efforts as you rotate between projects. You will spend the majority of your time on foot working in the forests and on the beaches, experiencing different field techniques and varied project sites.

At the end of each workday, you will return to our base with the rest of your team to relax together. You will share camp duties on a rotational basis, as well as sleeping in shared dormitory style accommodation. You should expect to work 5 ½ days each week, Monday to Friday, with weekends free for you to explore the surrounding area, snorkel, dive or just enjoy island living.

On this expedition, you will focus on several key conservation efforts within and around the Curieuse Island National Park which may include the following:

Lemon Shark Project
The mangrove system on Curieuse Island is an important nursery ground for the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens). We are conducting a capture and release study of the shark population using P.I.T. tags and acoustic tracking. Presently, very little is known about these creatures and we hope to answer many questions such as what time of the year do they pup, what is the survival and growth rate and in which areas are they found.

Coco de Mer Survey
The endemic Coco de Mer has the largest seed of all living plants and is found only on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Following on from a successful census of the trees covering Curieuse Island, our team is now conducting a growth study of these charismatic palms.

Mangrove Distribution Surveys
Curieuse Island has one of the largest remaining area of mangrove forest left within the Seychelles inner granitic islands. We are investigating seedling recruitment and mortality, and further determining species distribution across the mangroves.

Giant Tortoise Census
Giant tortoises were relocated to Curieuse Island in the 1980s as part of conservation efforts to protect the species. Over the last thirty years, the population has reproduced successfully and spread throughout the island. We conduct an annual census of the tortoise population and records key measurements on growth and distribution.

Hawksbill Turtle Surveys
Curieuse Island has some of the most important hawksbill turtle nesting beaches within Seychelles. Throughout nesting season, we conduct patrols of the beaches, recording data on nesting turtles and tagging females.

In conjunction with the Seychelles National Parks Authority, you may also find yourself participating in various educational campaigns and activities including mangrove replanting, endemic flora re-vegetation, beach cleans and environmental education classes. It is important to note that the different focuses (lemon sharks, tortoises, etc.) are seasonal, and you won't be on all projects throughout the entire year.

Our partner on this program is the Seychelles National Parks Authority. Data collected from your efforts will be passed to the Seychelles Ministry of Environment and participating NGOs to be used in creating local conservation policies and shared worldwide with other conservation teams and efforts.

In conjunction with our partners, we are one of the leading marine and terrestrial data collection organisations in Seychelles. We help local organisations execute projects that they do not have the manpower to do alone.

Minimum age of 18
Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 6 months)
Basic level of competency in English
Medical form
Copy of return flight itinerary
Acceptance subject to availability

Airport pick-up (specific pick-up time applies)
Transfer to base
Welcome meeting
Location orientation
Safe and basic accommodation (shared)
Meals while on project
Wildlife research training
Diving compressor training workshop
All necessary project equipment and materials, however you need to provide your own snorkel, mask and fins, a full list of requirements is in the field manual.
All necessary project training by experienced long term staff
First aid & CPR training
24-hour in-country support
24-hour emergency phone
Access to alumni services and discounts

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

Oversigt

Ekstra udgifter på rejsen

None

Free Time
Volunteering with us not only allows you to participate in programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems, but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your downtime or further afield either before or after your program. Below is some information on trips and travel options in the Seychelles.

Optional Side Trips
Volunteers may have the opportunity to visit the islands of Praslin and La Digue. Praslin is home to the Vallee de Mai (a world heritage site) thought by early explorers to be the original “Garden of Eden”, that is home of the famous Coco de Mer palm tree that produces the huge double nut famous for its provocative shape. La Digue is the picture perfect tropical island, small and intimate with quaint guest houses and arguably the most beautiful beach in the world - Anse Source d’Argent.

Public transport is cheap and frequent and many parts of Praslin can be explored easily by catching a bus.

Accommodation is in shared (mixed sex) dorm rooms (up to 10 people). The tap water is safe for drinking on the expedition base and there is cold running water available. Bathroom facilities are shared but split-sex, and participants also share base duties, including cleaning and other chores. Refridgeration is available for communal food only. You need to bring your own mosquito net and bedding. A bedding set is essential - 2 single bed sheets (preferably one fitted for mattress and one flat for your top sheet) and a pillowcase. A 2nd set is useful for washing days.

If you need to stay additional nights before or after your project you need to book these separately, ask your travel consultant for help.

Arrival
Most volunteers arrange international flights to the Seychelles' main international airport on Mahé Island, arriving on or before the expedition start date. It is highly recommended that you arrive at least a day or two earlier if possible, to recover from jetlag and acclimatise. Most people stay in the village of Beau Vallon which is right on the beach and the main centre for tourism in Mahé with restaurants and shops close by. Note if you plan to stay on other parts of the island, you will be required to make your own way to one of the pick-up points. There will be one airport pick-up the day before the start of the expedition at 07:30, which will drop off in Beau Vallon. On the morning of the expedition the pick-up point will be at the car park behind the Pearl Noire restaurant in Beau Vallon at 09:30. Please ensure our field staff are aware of your arrival plans.

Departure
Departure: Departure flights from Mahe should be booked for late afternoon/evening, as the ferry leaves to Mahe quite early between 08:00 and 09:00 it takes 1 hour by ferry to Mahe, and then 30 to 40 mins to the airport by taxi.

Meals while on project are included. Participants take turns to prepare meals for the group. Food is basic but nutritious, and primarily vegetarian with optional fish or meat available no more than once or twice a week. Breakfast could be porridge with fresh fruit, or occassionally pancakes or cereal, lunch and evening meals may include pasta, beans, rice, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, etc.

Internet Access
You will have access to long distance communications whilst on the program, but make sure friends and family know how often they can expect to hear from you. Participants typically use internet cafes to keep in touch, with access to internet about once a week. Local SIM cards and pay-as-you-go credit can be bought affordably in the Seychelles and the signal is good in most areas. Contact your mobile/cell phone provider for more information before travelling.

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Island Conservation Expedition to the Seychelles

Island Conservation Expedition to the Seychelles