Marine conservation volunteering will show you an ocean adventure with a purposeful twist! Pretty soon, you may find yourself swimming with dolphins, mapping out colorful reefs, or studying great white sharks. All in the name of conservation, as an African Impact volunteer you’ll be part of important research that preserves Africa’s marine resources that makeup major coastal marine ecosystems that are full of flora and fauna and home to millions of species. Our on-the-ground conservation field research will take you to some phenomenal destinations, from the rugged coast near Cape Town to the sandy beaches of Zanzibar or a tropical island off the coast of Mozambique. Whichever location you go with, becoming a marine conservation volunteer in Africa will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Take Action — Contribute to innovative marine research and conservation programs focused on preserving the biodiversity of the Indian Ocean
Close Interactions — Encounter marine wildlife on a daily basis, like dolphins, whales, sharks, sea turtles, and rays
Paradise — Enjoy living in dream-like settings while volunteering in Africa nearby or right on the beach
Gain Knowledge — Work alongside and learn from expert marine biologists and conservationists
Networking — Join a group of passionate African Impact volunteers from all around the world
Our programs encourage knowledge sharing about the devastating effects that climate change has had and will have on local coastal communities, including how marine conservation can support locals’ livelihoods year-round. Our volunteers get the opportunity to work with some of Africa’s most iconic sea creatures, learning how to conduct vital research on their health, behaviors and migration patterns. Many universities across the world offer programs in marine conservation; however, if you are interested in learning about marine conservation outside of an academic setting, joining a volunteer conservation project is one of the best ways to gain valuable experience in this exciting field!
We take the responsibility to make sustainable decisions today that will heavily impact the future seriously. Volunteering in marine conservation is an easy choice to make, and ensures future generations will be able to witness some of Africa’s most stunning marine environments. Our marine conservation volunteering opportunities offer incredible ways to get involved in preserving our ocean’s health and protecting the beautiful sea life that calls it home. Whether you end up doing scuba diving volunteer work, ocean cleanups, or coral reef conservation, the work you’ll do as a marine conservation volunteer abroad will produce long-term impacts on the future of ocean ecosystems.
Our oceans are currently under massive threat. From climate change to unsustainable fishing practices, harmful human actions are creating devastating effects on marine wildlife. It is widely accepted through various sources that the Earth will experience an estimated 100-150% rise in ocean acidity by 2100, which will affect all life underwater, if we do not take proper marine conservation actions. These worsening ocean conditions are devastating to all marine wildlife – from sea turtles to coral reefs – and ultimately threaten their future. Marine conservation is essential to protect sea life from potential disastrous outcomes.
Each of our marine conservation programs is created with a unique blend of opportunities for experiential learning, depending on the community’s needs. Some of the most important daily activities include: joining regular research dives that teach the importance of marine biodiversity, and listening to talks led by marine researchers who address topics about marine biology, pathology and sustainability.
If you want to find out how to get involved in ocean conservation, then have a look at joining one of our marine conservation programs! From day one, we take our volunteers through an intensive training program on-site, teaching them about their project placement as well as preparing them for the daily responsibilities of a conservation volunteer. Our volunteers work directly with teams made up of marine conservationists and researchers, which means they have the chance to collaborate with trained professionals dedicated to working on marine conservation projects and community initiatives.
