Always ask for approval when considering an internship.

Location: Mauritius (Covid-Free)
Deadline: No deadline
Duration: Minimum of 4 weeks

Title
Volunteer work

Heading
Conservation and Ecotourism forest reserve Volunteer project Mauritius

Short description
Our valued partner has over 15 years’ experience of facilitating students and volunteers all over Mauritius. This is a conservation and ecotourism forest reserve aiming to restore and preserve the Mauritian native ecosystem. You can contribute to forest restoration, customer service (provide information about the Reserve), marketing (creation of new material), event organization and preparation of educational activities for schools.

Country
Mauritius

Category
Environment 

Minimum length of stay
4 weeks till 12 weeks (extension is own responsibility)

Starting period
Flexible, arrival preferably Friday otherwise Saturday

Project fields
Forestry, Education, Environmental studies, Geography, Ecology, Nature, Biology, Marketing, Tourism, Tour guiding, Event Management, Research.

Project description
Our valued partner has over 15 years’ experience of facilitating students and volunteers all over Mauritius. This is a conservation and ecotourism reserve aiming to restore and preserve the Mauritian native ecosystem. In 2006, the conservation team started to restore 50ha of land near the village of Chamarel in Mauritius. They are actively restoring around 14 hectares and have planted more than 140,000 native trees grown in our plant nursery. In June 2017, the reserve opened to the public. Visitors can discover the native forest through guided tours on the unique raised-walkway or self-guided hikes along the different trails available.

Visitors usually start their journey in the Reserve through the museum where they can witness 10 million years of natural history since the birth of the island to today and the impact that humans had on Mauritian ecosystems. Then, they discover and learn details about the rare ebony trees and the other rare native plants. Along the trails, they can observe the various steps of conservation and the great viewpoints along the paths. If visitors are attentive, they can meet the 5 endemic birds present on site, namely the Mauritius Flycatcher, the Mauritius Bulbul, the Grey White-eye and the recently released Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet. The Reserve encourages a responsible and eco-friendly behaviour from its staff, volunteer, visitors and from the various groups visiting to secure a sustainable future for the Mauritian community.

Role of the volunteer:
Aiming for skills transfer next to leaving behind materials and methods that can be used in terms of sustainability such as a research report. In general, your work will vary, depending on what is required at the time that you volunteer.

Specific activities:
• Helping with customer service: greeting the visitors, guide them through the Visitor Centre and the site, provide information about the Reserve
• Helping with the forest restoration project: weeding, planting, nursery work
• Helping with the marketing: Take pictures of clients in the site, propose and help to implement ideas for social media posting
• Helping with the management of big visitors group including school groups
• Helping in the creation of new material: Interpretative signage and displays to place along trails and around the Visitor Centre
• Assisting with event organization • Helping the preparation of educational activities for schools

The facilities
Supervision: at least Bachelor level; on request depending on field.
Working hours: usually Monday to Friday full-time, but can be discussed.
Workspace: at the nature reserve.

et’s Go Africa volunteer packages include:
- Suitable project with project description according to all criteria
- Pre-departure introduction & safety meeting
- Visa application assistance + flight booking and transport advice
- Accommodation arrangements (options and costs described below)
- Airport pick up arrangements (fixed costs will be communicated prior to arrival)
-  In-country introduction regarding country, project and your role
- Experienced and qualified supervisor and contact person constantly available - 
- Support and guidance from the moment of registration until return back home 

Total LGA service package cost (one time amount)
Volunteer work between 4-12 weeks (extension is own responsibility): total package cost p.p. €750

The costs
Accommodation type: Self-catering private room in house close to the beach with shared facilities. Cost per week (paid locally): €180 including lunch during weekdays @ the reserve
- A deposit of 180 euro must be paid as warranty to cover any damages or outstanding payments
- Visa Mauritius: Free of charge

Please email us at info@letsgoafrica.nl for project options, an exact cost calculation or if you have any other questions.