Description

The Maldives is in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's flattest and lowest country, with the average height above sea level being only 1.5 metres. Despite this the Maldives is also one of the most mountainous countries in the world courtesy of its volcanic origins. This may not be obvious unless you take the plunge beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean as most of the volcanic mountains are submarine creating an incredibly diverse and thriving marine ecosystem.

* What Does the Project Do?
Coral reefs cover less than 2% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life, making coral one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, yet also one of the most threatened. All over the world reefs are in decline and with them the fate of over two million species and the economies that these ecosystems support. The pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters and coral reefs of the Maldives are a popular tourist destination, with some of the islands seeing unprecedented development. This project works to ensure that the Maldives' precious marine ecosystem is protected whilst educating island communities on the importance of marine conservation. Whilst on this project you can also learn to dive and obtain your PADI qualifications!

The project tries to have a lasting positive impact on local communities so for every three marine conservation volunteers one community islander will be taught to dive and will gain a PADI open water dive qualification which will not only help promote marine conservation within the community, but assist with youth development and provide employment opportunities on the islands where jobs are limited.

* What Will I Be Doing?
As a marine conservation volunteer you will play a vital role in monitoring the local marine life and could be involved in activities including; diving to conduct fish and shark observations and coral surveys, coral planting, transplanting and cleaning, beach clean ups and turtle walks. It is important to make sure the marine conservation work is sustainable and so you may also be involved in the education of local island communities, actively encouraging communities to participate in a range of conservation initiatives.

Highlights

* Discover this island paradise and help preserve the marine ecosystem

* Get PADI dive certified

* Make lifelong friends and unforgettable memories

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,145

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure support & documentation
* Dedicated personal travel adviser
* Travel & medical advice
* Advice on visas & equipment
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier t-shirt
* 3 meals a day
* Accommodation
* Airport pick-up
* Project orientation and training
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Biological Research
• Conservation
• Eco-tourism
• Volunteering
• Water
• Wildlife Surveying

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Frontier's Mission Statement

To conserve the world's most endangered wildlife and threatened habitats and to build sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and under resourced communities in the world's poorest countries. To create solutions that are apolitical, forward-thinking, community-driven, and innovative and which take into consideration the long-term needs of low income communities.

Year Founded

1989