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Country: SOUTH AFRICA

ORCA Marine Conservation Project
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Shumba Experience
95 Ditchling Road
Sussex
UNITED KINGDOM
BN1 4ST
Phone: 0845 257 3205


Program description:

ARE YOU FASCINATED BY MARINE LIFE AND WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN CONSERVATION WORK? This marine conservation volunteer project involves a wide range of different activities and marine wildlife.

Based in the town of Plettenberg Bay which is located on the world famous Garden Route. This area is home to some of the world’s most fascinating marine species, including Southern Right whales, Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Killer Whales and Great White Sharks.

The ORCA Foundation’s primary role is to focus on the practical application of conservation studies and research in this coastal area. The marine and conservation project will educate volunteers about the importance of conservation and how to manage the marine and its natural environment. The course covers a wide variety of activities from taking out boat trips and educating local people about marine life, collecting research data to being involved in community based projects.

The aims of the ORCA volunteer programme are:

  • To introduce volunteers to Plettenberg Bay’s marine and coastal environment

  • To show conservation volunteers how the Bay and its resources are currently being managed

  • To gain an understanding of the cultural diversity in the coastal community

  • To introduce conservation volunteers to Marine Protected Area (MPA) management perspectives

  • The considerations and practicalities in beach management and public safety

  • To have an unforgettable experience of ‘learning by doing’ in one of the most beautiful outdoor classrooms in South Africa


  • Volunteers will share a three-bedroom house with 2 bathrooms, a big comfortable lounge area, dining room and kitchen. Meals are prepared by the volunteers in the fully equipped kitchen and there are email and laundry facilities available, with shops conveniently nearby.


    ** SEE SHUMBA EXPERIENCE WEBSITE FOR VOLUNTEER DIARIES

    General program information:

    Program open to: Everyone
    Age range: 17+
    Travel to site: Independent Travel
    Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
    No. in group: 2-4
    Living arrangements on the program: Apartment, Group living
    How long does the program last?: 1-3 Months
    What are the dates of this program: This placement is flexible about start dates and runs throughout the year, beginning every Monday

    Benefits and advantages of the program:

    PLACEMENT ACTIVITIES

    The marine and conservation project will educate volunteers about the importance of conservation and how to manage the marine and its natural environment. The project covers many different areas of conservation and marine management, including:

  • Rescue and rehabilitation of marine species

  • ORCA patrol boat trips to collect data, monitor the bay and take marine photos of dolphins, sharks and whales

  • Supervised collection of touch pool and aquarium species for the ORCA Centre

  • Organising co-ordinated provincial marine and coastal awareness campaigns

  • Participating in commercial marine-eco tourism activities which include whale and dolphin watching tours, sea kayaking, township tours, river ferry cruises

  • Monitoring and cleaning of beaches and coastal regions

  • Report presentations on topics relative to the project

  • Conducting research surveys

  • Angling surveys within the surrounding estuary and coastline

  • Sampling, tagging, monitoring and dissection of fish species

  • Involvement in community development programmes

  • Participation in a broad range of educational initiatives involving the local community, including educating children on marine conservation



  • ** Note: It is not possible to guarantee these exact activities will occur during your placement it will depend on the conditions at the time **

    Cost or price of this program:

    2 Weeks £895  

    4 Weeks £1,395

    8 Weeks £2,395

    This cost of the placement includes:

  •   Pre-departure information and support

  •   Assistance with flights and specialist travel insurance

  •   Transfers to/from the local airport in Africa

  •   Orientation session with other volunteers

  •   Food and accommodation on placement

  •   On-site training and guidance

  •   An amazing experience!!



  • Typical person for this program:

    Someone who loves marine wildlife and the sea and wants to get involved in conservation work.  A passionate and committed individual who is looking for an exciting adventure.



    Application process Involves:

    Fill in the application form online

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