This exciting and innovative programme is a long-term community-
based conservation initiative. Inspired by the Lemur Venture
programme, and now incorporating a more holistic approach, it
integrates conservation research on critically endangered flora
and fauna with community initiatives.
The programme 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 on endangered flora and fauna – in particular
lemurs, reptiles and amphibians – with community initiatives
and environmental education, building the community’s understanding
of 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.
Azafady is not alone in offering you the opportunity to spend
time overseas. What makes us different is that the Azafady
Conservation Programme is a not-for-profit scheme run by a
registered charity (registered UK charity number 1079121) and
Malagasy NGO. Funds generated are invested right back into
our projects in Madagascar, rather than into a private company.
We may not be able to offer you the glossy literature of other
organisations, but what we can give you is a genuine, worthwhile
volunteering experience.