Restoration volunteership in Madagascar

Do you care about saving the world’s rain forests? What about lemurs – do you like lemurs? Would you like to do something about climate change?  If, yes, please join the volunteer program with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (OHDZA) and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP)!  We’re looking for highly motivated volunteers to join our on-going reforestation program in southeastern Madagascar.  This area is home to nine lemur species, several of which are critically endangered.  Habitat loss threatens the remaining yet unprotected forest fragments, but you can help.  We work with local communities to reconnect and expand natural habitats over the mountainous terrain around Kianjavato while sustainably benefiting the 12,000 area residents. 

You’ll have a dynamic daily work routine; you may be working at the primary field station or at the multiple tree nurseries; you could be collecting seeds within an established forest; or at a field site preparing for a community planting event.  Duties may include sorting compost, placing seedlings into growing bags, organizing the tree inventory, transplanting trees with the local community groups or school children.  The ultimate goal of the reforestation program is to plant one million trees as a means to establish corridors between forest fragments and restore ecosystem services.  In order reach this substantial goal, there is a need for streamlining the reforestation effort – from seed collection, germination, and transplantation – and this is where the volunteers can make a significant and lasting contribution to the project.

The schedule for the reforestation volunteer may vary, but will operate during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with members of the reforestation team and nursery staff arriving at the job site around 7:00am.  You will typically work with three other volunteers and a team of knowledgeable Malagasy field guides.  The reforestation team consists of rotating OHDZA employees, Malagasy MBP field assistants and graduate students, along with numerous nursery managers and assistants from the local community. 

Adequate physical fitness is required.  We prefer volunteers with at least a BA or BSc in the biological or environmental sciences, tropical restoration and forest management experience is a plus.  Some independent research experience will be an advantage, as will work or travel experience in tropical countries.  A willingness to work in isolated conditions, the ability to solve problems independently, and dedication to a positive and respectful working environment are required.

For a more details, please visit the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership at

http://madagascarpartnership.org/home/volunteer_program2

Term of Appointment: A minimum of six months is required, and longer stays may be possible.  Please inquire for details.

Application Deadline: immediately; the positions will be filled by the first qualified applicants. This in an on-going call for volunteers and we are currently looking for volunteers throughout 2016.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for two references to Dr. Ed Louis (mbp AT madagascarpartnership DOT org).