Description

Mozambique - the word evokes images of pristine coastline, beautiful terracotta tiled towns and fascinating Arab influenced culture. However there is much more to this unique country than being simply an idyllic holiday destination. As well as boasting a cultural heritage is an unusual amalgamation of Portuguese, Asian and indigenous origins and traditions, Mozambique provides a home for a plethora of exotic wildlife. Its seas are teeming with life including sleek manta rays, jewel green turtles, dolphins, curious animals such as sea sponges and much more. However perhaps its most appealing and certainly its most intriguing aquatic species is the wondrous whale shark. Vast in size and steel-grey in colour, they glide silently through the profound waters of the Indian Ocean, filtering algae and fish into their wide mouths. However despite their impressive physicality (they can grow up to 12.65 metres in length and often weigh the same as a small elephant), whale sharks have been described as gentle and even playful, and make ideal swimming companions. Sadly these elegant aquatic inhabitants are threatened due to a variety of reasons. Help in the preservation of Mozambique's whale sharks as you explore this lesser known but hugely attractive destination, and have a totally unforgettable gap year, year out or career break!

* What Will I Be Doing?

The key aim of this project is to monitor whale shark numbers and behaviour, along with loggerhead turtle nesting activity and coral reef condition, with the long term view of developing a strategy for the future coastal zone management. The project is split into three phases - with the first, main phase focusing on whale sharks. You will snorkel in the same waters as these magnificent animals, brushing up on your underwater photography and carrying out vital data collection. You may also encounter dolphin pods as they feed and play in the clear waters. The second phase concentrates on the overall conservation of the reef itself, which forms the vital basis for the multitude of complex food webs, and therefore thousands of precious species rely upon them. You will monitor the area alongside experienced divers who will provide extensive dive training up to PADI Open Water. Concluding your experience with the third phase you will patrol loggerhead turtle nesting sites and tag adult specimens, in order to discover more about the behavioural patterns of these threatened marine creatures.

Highlights

* Explore the endless beaches & ancient towns of Mozambique!
* Help to protect the mysterious whale shark.
* Promote the welfare of these creatures.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

3,400

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Before you go:
* Pre-departure support & documentation
* Travel & medical advice & documentation
* Advice on visas & equipment
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier t-shirt

In-country:
* Food
* Accommodation
* Airport pick-up & drop-off
* Ground transfers to project
* Project orientation
* Project equipment
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up
* PADI Open Water dive qualification

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

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