Description

Our Fiji Marine Conservation Expedition offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills, discover an incredible underwater environment and protect marine biodiversity in the Fijian Islands. Your research will provide long-term benefits to the local community and help guarantee food security for future generations. You will SCUBA dive and snorkel in the clear, blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean to collect data that will help establish community managed Marine Protected Areas.

In addition to SCUBA diving, you will spend time working on community development projects that will include constructing water tanks and creating environmental awareness projects for local schools. On weekends you can explore the islands and enjoy Fijian culture, food, sports and breathtaking scenery. This program is only available to qualified divers (PADI OWD or equivalent). If you are a non diver we have another program designed specifically for you in the same location, which includes your initial dive training. Please ask your GVI Regional Coordinator for details.

Volunteers will be based in the Yasawa Islands, 4.5 hours by ferry off the coast of Nadi. The Yasawas is a chain of 20 ancient islands, 4 of them rising to over 600 metres elevation above sea level. The islands are surrounded by pristine white sandy beaches. Dramatic volcanic hillsides on the edge of crystal clear lagoons provide a beautiful environment in which to work and relax at the end of each day.

Volunteers will stay in a basic dormitory accommodation with other volunteers and project staff. There is a communal living area, kitchen and work area. Volunteers will assist with cleaning and cooking on rotation and will gather each evening for a daily de-brief and a briefing for the following day. Volunteers will travel to the local communities to work on a daily basis. Accommodations have cold running water and showers and limited electricity.

Further training options are also being developed at this location, including long-term internships, short-term internships and GVI's unique BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques qualification.

Highlights

Learning new skills like SCUBA diving and conducting underwater surveys in the warm, turquoise waters of the Pacific, spending time getting to know the local community and their traditional villages, teaching children about environmental conservation during weekly school visits, assisting in the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas, coming across a myriad of fascinating marine creatures to study, enjoying island hopping, stunning remote island locations, scuba diving, snorkelling, traditional ceremonies, idyllic traditional Fijian villages, white beaches, climbing volcanic mountains, enjoying breathtaking scenery, cave swimming, cultural immersion in the Fijian way of life, learning to speak Fijian.

Travel Types

• Birdwatching
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Scuba
• Snorkeling

Cost in US$:

From USD 3,230 for 4 weeks

Program Fees Include:

* All food and accommodation
* Airport transfers
* In-country transport as dictated by your project
* Orientation and training
* PADI Advanced Open Water
* PADI Coral Reef Researcher specialty
* Fun dives
* Heavily discounted further dive training options up to PADI Rescue Diver
* All training materials, technical dive equipment and science equipment
* Emergency First Aid course
* 24 hour in-country support and a 24 hour emergency phone line
* Pre-departure support and discounted services
* A traditional Fijian Sevusevu ceremony and village visit

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of Up to 16 volunteers on the project at one time

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

GVI's Mission Statement

Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded

1998