Madagascar Volunteer

Research & Conservation Institute

   
  • HOME
  • About Us
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet The Team
    • Partners in Conservation
    • Commendations
    • Achievements
    • Volunteers FAQ’s
  • Programs
    • Marine Conservation
    • Sea Turtle Monitoring
    • Forest Conservation
    • English Teaching
    • Community Development
  • PADI Courses
  • Camp
  • Reviews
  • Blog
    • Teaching
    • Forest Conservation
    • Marine Conservation
    • Sea Turtle Monitoring
    • Community Development
    • Island Life
    • Gallery
  • Madagascar
  • Job Vacancies
  • Contact

Life as a Terrestrial Science Officer in Madagascar

Julia has been our Terrestrial Science Officer here on the island of Nosy Komba, Madagascar, for the last six months – what has she made of it?

Julia came to us in May as our Terrestrial Science Officer swapping the Alps for the forests of Nosy Komba. As you’ll see below, this place wasn’t exactly as Julia expected. We are so sad to see her go, this place will certainly be less without her but we can’t wait to see what she does next. It will, no doubt, be remarkable.

  • Madagascar Volunteer - JuliaJulia, please state your name and your age.

My name is Julia, I am 26 years old. I come from France (the Alp mountains) close to Switzerland.

  • When did you arrive here?

I arrived on the 26th of March in Madagascar, in Nosy Be. I’ve been here for six months now.

  • What did you expect before you left? When you were waiting at the airport, what did you expect to find?

A great job with amazing wildlife, biodiversity, incredible forest and jungle… yeah, something amazing and beautiful. I was not really expecting anything from or wondering about people. I wasn’t scared but I was just thinking, people and volunteers are not my expectation, not why I came here. I came here to work on and study the wildlife on Nosy Komba and Madagascar, so I just had this thing in mind that I will have to also deal with people, this small community in Turtle Cove and volunteers without it being one of my goals, just one of my duties.

  • Is it as you expected?

In part yes. I’ve found amazing wildlife, beautiful jungle and I’ve really loved my job. It was amazing to improve the forest project here and to study lemurs in a scientific way and, as the logistics here allowed us, tried to build something strong and great for publication and research. But I also realised I shouldn’t be scared to be with people here because it’s definitely the best of my experience here, local people who are also a beautiful part of Nosy Komba and I’ve met people in camp, when at the beginning I was probably scared of human beings and now I am so glad to meet them.

  • Do you feel different leaving to when you came?

Madagascar Volunteer - DivingYeah! I’m really happy for that. I’m excited because I found something. I was thinking before “you will never be able to behave like that” or just to be interested, and I was proud of that like just, “I don’t care for people”. It’s great and now I just find that you can care about wildlife and biodiversity but you can also really care about people and that’s really, really cool and I’m really excited for that because I don’t want to lose that. It will change a lot of things. I am definitely really excited for what’s after. Yes.

  • Are the lemurs as you expected to find them?

No, they are a lot cooler. They are really funny animals. I love primates and they are really interesting, they are really nice and it’s amazing how they tolerate disturbances around. They are on a really small island, there is a lot of clearing around, a lot of disturbance in the habitat and they are still here, chilling out, curious, just close to the village sometimes and really wild some other days, just dealing with people of Nosy Komba in their jungle.

  • Of all the times during your six months, are there any moments that stand out for you? When you’re back at home and you’re thinking about your time on Nosy Komba, are there any funny moments or particular forest walks that will stick in your mind?

Yes. It will be difficult to remember everything because there is a lot of great moments but I trust my brain and my memory and I’m sure I’ll remember the most important and incredible moments that I had here.

  • Can you recall some now?

Julia Dolham - Madagascar VolunteerSome star gazing. I promise no one will know what that means. Some walks with Jimmy, some moments with Jimmy.

  • Who is Jimmy?

Jimmy is the lemur guide, but he’s just a really cool guy. He’s a great, great man who comes from the forest and decided to stay away from his father and mother because he just knew he belonged to the forest so he just wants to stay there even if he is only with… he is still with family, his grandfather, grandmother, wife and son, but he is away from all of them and of course, he misses his family a lot but he is so happy to be in the forest working with the lemurs because he loves it.

He helps us so much, he’s creating awareness with locals who live with them, he changes their mind. Now when he looks for lemurs in the evening for us, there’s always some young guy (brother, uncle) who helps him. He said himself that he’s amazed and surprised by how things have changed in the last few years. People were hunting lemurs and now they are careful with them. There is still some threat to them but they are just more interested. They realise how interesting they are to observe and to study.

He’s a boy who enjoys life and enjoys time on his balcony in his beautiful new house he just finished a few weeks ago. It faces a view… I’ve never seen something so amazing. Jimmy’s a really clever guy.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Marine Conservation Team: Solly
  • Volunteering in Madagascar during a Pandemic
  • Mitsios Boat Trip
  • Dive Certification Well Earned
Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

2 days ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Join us in Marine program and explore and learn this sea slug biodiversity in our home reef! 🔥☺️#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #turtletowerhomereef #nudibranch #seaslug #marineprogram #conservation #biodiversity #indicatorspecies #importantrole #marinelife ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

1 week ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
It was a good week to say hi to everyone from us with a cool drone shot by @dadsonnnnnnn 🎉🥳 #madagascarvolunteer #volunteer #volunteering #goodweek #volunteeringisfun #turtlecove #itsthewibe ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

1 week ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Meet Solly, our much-loved Marine Conservation Officer at Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI). Growing up in a small rural fishing community in northern Madagascar, he has always had a deep connection to the oceanSoon after completing his higher education, Solly enrolled in the University of North Antsiranana where he earned a Master’s Degree in Marine SciencesIn 2019, Solly was accepted as a marine intern at MRCI. With his amazing attitude, work ethic and enthusiasm, he was quickly promoted to Marine Conservation OfficerSolly’s dream is to become a PADI Diving Instructor.MRCI has undertaken to create this GoFundMe account in collaboration with Emily Borth to help Solly achieve his dream.Please donate and help us make Solly’s dream come true by click the link below! 🙏🏼☺️https://gofund.me/176e591dPhoto credit : @hello_socialbutterfly 🌸#madagascar #madagascarvolunteer #solly’sdream #fundraiser #padiinstructor #PADIIDC2023 #PADIIDC2024 #paditv #localmarinebiologist #marineresearch #padiprofessional #futurecareer #gofundme ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

2 weeks ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Hiiii volunteers of the week! 🥰Shoutout to community and construction team and also Jeronimo for showing the dignity, commitment, passion to the program and most important to the people in the village!We are lucky to have you all here at our camp 🎉Join us? Click link on bio 🐣#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteeroftheweek #volunteering #community #teachingenglish #construction #buildingtrashsystem #paintingtheschool #forkids #forlocals #communityengagement ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

3 weeks ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
We are glad to share that our community library in Ampangorina village has been refurbished by our community volunteers, staff and help from little hands! ☺️In many of the village in Madagascar, young people have little to no access to reading materials, we hope by keep adding books to our community library can improve in children’s literacyThanks to our volunteers that donated the books, your help and support is always appreciated 😇🌸#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #community #communitylibrary #forchildren #local #books #donatedbooks #improvingchildrenliteracy #communitydevelopment ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

3 weeks ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Hello teachers! 🎉Our community program is strong as we have a lot of volunteers that are passionate to give what they have to the local community in the village by teaching english, from the kids classes to adult classes, beginner to intermediate level! Its very rewarding when you come to Madagascar with a purpose and leave knowing you made a positive impact! 🎉❤️Join us on the Community program, click link on bio! 🔥#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #teachers #english #beginnerclass #intermediateclass #learning #education #forlocals #impact #purpose #communityeducation #engagement #volunteeringisfun ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

4 weeks ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Congratulations Jack-ie Chan and Daan 🎉 Thanks for bringing a lot of good mood and joy to the camp, also for your consistent contribution in Forest program and Marine program, we glad to have you guys around and leave with an impact! Volunteering with us click link on bio!#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #volunteer #volunteering #forlocal #saveplanet #saveocean #sustainable #volunteeringisfun #volunteeroftheweek #conservation #motivated ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

1 month ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Today we went to the shipwreck for a dive that called mitsio wreck🛥 located not too far from Nosy Komba only 35min boat drive!And please meet the toxic trio (Stone fish, Lion fish as well Scorpion fish)! Can you guys spotted it? 🙈 they are incredibly well camouflaged and sometimes even use biofluorescence (glowing with a different color) to blend into their environment 🥰These carnivores got their name from the many toxic spikes and spines across their bodies. The venom from these contains powerful neurotoxins that can be extremely painful, and even deadly. And yes, that goes for humans too!We also wants to congratulate Gorka & Emily for finishing their Advance Open Water course and now its time to learn more about our ocean and help us to carry the survey as soon as they develop our @conservationdiverofficial EMP course in Marine Program! 🥳Join us? Click link on our bio 🎉#madagascar #madagascarvolunteer #marineconservation #mitsiowreck #stonefish #lionfish #scorpionfish #biodiversity #marinelife #conservation #citizenscientist #marineconservationist #practicesurvey ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

1 month ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Job Opportunity in Madagascar at Madagascar Research Conservation Institute (MRCI)!We are looking for PADI Dive Instructor 🤿 who wants to join our team and amazing project in Marine Conservation program which you’ll be able to grow in person with us!We are looking a responsible person who is passionate about diving, strong background of conservation, PADI renewed instructor who is able to teach and followed all the safety standard of diving from Open Water up to Dive Master, and able to service and maintain all diving equipment 🌊Applicants who have completed Conservation Diver internship or Instructor training will be looked upon more favorable as the role will eventually teaching of @conservationdiverofficial course, even some experience in remote areas! What we offer is basic salary, commission on courses, 3 meals a day, accommodation and visas are provided. We are looking to fill this role as soon as possible, get in touch and please send your CV to Wendy@madagascarvolunteer.com ! ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute

1 month ago

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute
Our marine volunteers are in the water to do practice survey with their EMP course with Solly our local marine biologist!Everyday our volunteers will start the lecture on the topic’s how to monitoring our key indicator species of Invertebrates, Fish, and assess the bottom composition including coral and their state of health followed by a dive to put the theory into the practical 🎉 Our instructor will do debrief after the dive, talking about the struggle that they’ve encountered and give volunteers better understanding more about the ecology of our local reef. Join us in Marine program and help us to raise awareness and be a citizen scientist wherever you go! 🔥And if you feel you can help Solly to achieve his dream to be PADI dive instructor to develop his professional career please share or donate by click the link below, we do really appreciate all the help! 🎉😍https://gofund.me/176e591d#madagascarvolunteer #madagascar #conservation #citizenscientist #marine #conservationdiver #marinebiologist #supportcommunity #staffdevelopment #EMPcourse #ecology #reefmonitoring #practicesurvey #solly’sdream #fundraiser #padiinstructor #PADIIDC2023 #PADIIDC2024 #paditv #localmarinebiologist #marineresearch #padiprofessional #futurecareer #gofundme ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-9-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-8-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-7-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-6-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-5-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-4-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-3-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-2-of-9-Web.png
https://www.madagascarvolunteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MRCI-Spreadshirt-1-of-9-Web.png

Contact Us

Madagascar Office: Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute, Home Sakalava, Rue R Tsiomeko, Hell-Ville, Nosy Be, Madagascar
Phone: +261 32 50 891 57
Office Hours: Please take note of the time zone differences when contacting us.
Email: volunteer@madagascarvolunteer.com

Social Profiles

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Accepted Payment Methods

Visa / Mastercard / American Express / EFT / Direct Deposit.

Log In

Teaching | Marine Conservation | Forest Conservation | Combinations

Disclaimer:  We reserve the right to change our Volunteer Programs at any time, without prior notice.