Volunteer on Marine and Biodiversity Projects-Seychelles

The Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles (MCSS) is a local Non-Governmental Organisation that was registered in 1997. MCSS was formed by a group of local marine experts to meet the lack of capacity in Seychelles and to address matters of marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. MCSS remains to this day, the only Seychelles based Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated exclusively to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.

We currently require volunteers for 2 of our projects: Cerf Island Stewardship project and Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation Centre

Cerf Island Stewardship project

Through a partnership between the private sector on Cerf Island, Seychelles Nation Parks Authority (SNPA) and Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) a stewardship approach is being taken in order to conserve the biodiversity in the marine park. This is being implemented by MCSS with the assistance of volunteers and local support and covers a broad range of activities.

We are looking for fit, hard working, enthusiastic individuals with a strong interest in preserving biodiversity (both terrestrial and marine) to join us on this project.

Duties vary each day and include;

• maintenance of the marine trails

• enhancing guest experience through guided tours (snorkeling and terrestrial)

• coral nursery and artificial reef up-keep

• construction and maintenance of terrestrial trails on the island

• beach and reef clean-ups

• public relations

• terrapin population counts

Volunteers live in shared accommodation (max 2 at a time) on Cerf island and provide their own meals. The standard work schedule is a 6 day week, with the day off being on a rota basis. Access to the main island of Mahe is provided courtesy of the hotels’ shuttle ferries (about a 15 minute boat ride to Victoria or Eden Island Marina).

Availability: From Mid October

Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation Centre (mcssbanyantree.blogspot.com)
In March 2015, MCSS with its partner Banyan Tree Resort Seychelles, opened a Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation Centre in the Resort grounds. This site hosts an important wetland area with both species of endemic Critically Endangered freshwater terrapins (the black and yellow bellied mud-turtles or terrapins). The adjacent beach, Anse Intendance, is one of the most important remaining areas for hawksbill turtle nesting in the Inner Islands and around Mahe in particular. The centre is supported by both the local Seychelles Veterinary Services and Wildlife Vets International and to date has treated some 10 injured terrapins 7 of which have been successfully treated and released back in to the wetland. The centre also functions as a visitors information and education facility for local school and hotel guests.

Volunteers are needed to assist in the day to day monitoring and educational activities run by MCSS. The training and duties will cover the full range of activities associated with the Wildlife Centre operations including:

• Study area orientation and geography – Intendance wetland and beach
• Environmental monitoring equipment use, data capture and handling
• Basic terrapin and turtle information and biology
• Data collection:- filling out forms, writing up data, the systems and spreadsheets
• Photo identification
• Terrapin population and health monitoring
• Turtle patrols to monitor nesting and anthropogenic activities
• Education and awareness activities with visiting school groups and guests of the hotel
• Maintenance and caring for treatment and rehabilitation facility and animals

Volunteers live in shared accommodation (max 2 at a time) provided by the hotel and meals are included. There is access to laundry facilities and limited internet use.

Availability: Immediately

Volunteer requirements: All applicants must be able to swim and be confident in the water, be physically fit and be prepared to work hard. Desirable qualifications/skills include a university degree in a biological subject, and/or good practical skills, preferably over 21 years of age and language skills, particularly French.

Cost: 400Euros/month

Volunteers are responsible for their own insurance, personal travel within Seychelles and international travel to and from Seychelles.

How to apply: All applications must be made to info@mcss.sc and include a copy of recent CV on the volunteer application form where applicants should provide as much supportive information about themselves as possible e.g. skipper licence or other skills experience which would be useful. Please visit www.mcss.sc volunteers page for more information and the application form.