Volunteer Abroad Seychelles: North Island Conservation
In the middle of the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa are the Seychelles, one of the most biodiverse areas on earth**. The Seychelles are in every respect a special place, where one can live in close harmony with nature, far from the rest of the world. Numerous creatures find a haven here in complete seclusion and isolation, which is why this practically unspoiled paradise is home to one of the highest number of species on our planet.
In a team of research workers and other volunteers you will take part in fascinating projects for the preservation and protection of this unique natural environment, based in this extraordinary island kingdom which is teeming with natural habitats for an overwhelming abundance of plants and animals. North Island is a picturesque corner of the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean, where impressive rock formations with lush vegetation rise steeply out of the sea and are surrounded by maybe the most beautiful beaches on earth.
Highlights
- Live and work in a true island paradise
- Become involved in real nature and wildlife conservation
- Help protect sea turtles and tortoises
- Support conserving North Island’s natural flora
- Be part of an international team
- Experience the breathtaking biodiversity of the beautiful Seychelles archipelago
Locations
Plan your trip
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Included in the programme fee
- Placement in the programme
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Assistance with selecting travel insurance
- Assistance with booking flights
- Risk coverage certificate
Terry, your travel agent for Seychelles
Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like to learn more about this journey! I answer all of your questions and assist you before, during and after your adventure abroad.
Volunteering in the Seychelles
This volunteer project offers you the chance to actively contribute to nature and wildlife conservation in the Seychelles and, at the same time, experience the incomparable beauty and fascinating biodiversity of a true island paradise.
Arrival and orientation on North Island
After your arrival at the Seychelles International Airport of Mahé you will be taken to North Island by the staff boat on Monday morning. In case your flight arrives on Sunday you need to stay at a separately booked hostel in Mahé for one night. After your arrival on North Island you can settle into your room and receive an overview of the project and your tasks.
You will be issued a uniform to wear while working on the island – the only clothes you need to bring are for personal use (during off-time and if you would like to travel to the mainland). The staff uniform is compulsory at all times, unless in the staff village or on the staff beach.
Volunteer activities in the Seychelles
A passionate team of experienced workers and researchers has devoted itself to protecting the natural environment of the Seychelles. As a volunteer, you will be fully integrated into their activities, made easier by their infectious ideology and their commitment to the task. You will be part of a project that will continue to be a success story thanks in part to your efforts. The concept is perfectly named “Noah’s Ark” and its ambitious target is to return the island ecosystem to its original state through renaturation measures.
This includes the monitoring of and data collection on existing species, both on land and in the surrounding waters. You will patrol the beach each morning, looking for signs of turtles and their nests. This process has enabled the successful reintroduction of tortoise species that are native to the Seychelles, such as the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, the Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, rare land and sea birds such as the wedge-tailed shearwater or the white-tailed tropicbird and many endemic plant species.
Accommodation during the conservation project
Your base is North Island. You will live near the staff village, located in the heart of the island. Together with three other volunteers, you will be accommodated in the volunteer house with two bedrooms, a living room, and a shared bathroom. Participants eat together in the staff canteen; all meals are provided (3 basic meals a day). Four times a week before dinner, participants will be able to purchase snacks from the staff shop. There is a fridge in the EcoHouse that you can use. The Environment Office has Internet access (WiFi), but only for email purposes.
Leisure time as a volunteer in the Seychelles
Participants can expect to work 6 days a week, with a rest day on Fridays. The island offers unlimited opportunities for retreating to magic spots where you can enjoy being far away from the rest of the world in your spare time, either in solitude or with others. Surfboards, paddleboards and kayaks can be used every day after 4pm at the guest beach (provided there are no island guests present). So there are plenty of opportunities to have fun! Just off the north coast lies an extensive coral reef with a breathtaking underwater world which is ideal for snorkelling or diving.
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Arrival
Arrival in the Seychelles and on North Island
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Orientation
First day on North Island
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Project
Volunteering in the Seychelles: A typical volunteer day
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Off-time
Volunteering in the Seychelles: A typical off-day
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Departure
Last day on North Island and departure
FAQ – Learn more about this trip
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1. North Island
The private island of North Island in the Seychelles is a magnificent island jewel that combines peace and relaxation with unparalleled natural beauty. North Island lies in the heart of the Seychelles archipelago – white sandy beaches, a turquoise ocean and a mountainous, wooded hinterland characterize the landscape. Also the tropical mangrove forests and impressive granite formations amaze its guests.
During your time as a species conservation volunteer you will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the island up close, actively contribute to its protection and encounter fascinating, partly endemic species in their natural habitat.
Purpose of the volunteer project in the Seychelles
The Seychelles lie off the east coast of Africa and are home to a variety of endemic and unusual animal and plant species.
Intensive coconut plantations had a serious impact on the natural environment and put native species under pressure until the 70s. A decision was made in the 90s to restore the original ecosystem of North Island (Île de Nord) and elsewhere.
The nature conservation organisations responsible for doing so are combining nature conservation with ecotourism in order to finance the renaturation measures. This led to the launch of a number of nature and species conservation projects, in which volunteers work hand-in-hand with locals to protect the natural environment of the Seychelles.
Conscious Travel with Natucate
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