At a glance
- Help to plant mangroves and create the first carbon-neutral resort in Fiji
- Raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation and living sustainably through workshops
- See marine life and vibrant coral while you snorkel in clear blue water
- Become immersed in Fijian culture on a village tour, learning local crafts and traditions
- Travel to Nadi for a relaxing day of hot springs and mud baths
Is this project right for me?
Our Marin Conservation Programme is perfect for adventurers and thrill-seekers with a passion for nature, marine life, and the outdoors.
If you’re interested in nature, marine life, and the outdoors, this Darwin200 Conservation Programme is perfect for you!
- Help with the reforestation of mangroves
- Teach local communities about the importance of marine conservation through workshops and outreach
- Become immersed in Fijian culture
- See marine life and vibrant coral while you snorkel in clear blue water
- Travel to Nadi for a relaxing day of hot springs and mud baths
You don't need any conservation experience to join this programme; you'll receive training as you go! Gain practical experience and learn from experts while contributing to vital research, assisting with park maintenance, and bettering your understanding of local wildlife.
This seven-day programme will be running for two weeks only. All you need to do is decide if you’d like to join week one, or two, and complete our application form with a £195 deposit. Then, we’ll take care of the rest!
Mangroves
Mangroves are one of the most important for a variety of reasons:
- They help reduce carbon emissions.
- Mangroves provide homes to many species of plants and animals.
- They play a protective role for communities and vulnerable coastlines by preventing soil erosion and providing cover from extreme weather
To help rebuild these important habitats and also create the first carbon-neutral resort in Fiji, you will spend time in the mangrove nursery preparing and caring for mangrove seedlings. You will also help to plant the mangroves along the coast and maintain the nursery!
Conservation Outreach
Your group will spend time putting together a presentation for the local community, educating them on the importance of sharks within the marine ecosystem. This is also a great time to discuss climate change, recycling, living sustainably, and marine life.
Discussing these key topics will help to educate and inspire the next generation on the island to live consciously and help preserve the amazing flora, fauna, and wildlife, both on land and underwater.
Beach Clean-up
As rubbish washes up on Fijis beaches from around the world, it creates a dangerous habitat for wildlife that may get tangled or trapped within it. By participating in a beach clean-up, you'll be helping to maintain the area for both local people and animals.
You'll be cleaning up the beaches alongside children, getting to know them and educating them on the importance of conservation and activities such as these to care for the planet.
Where will I work?
Pacific Harbour
On this project, you’ll be based in Pacific Harbour, known as the ‘adventure capital of Fiji’. This popular tourist area is on the south coast of Viti Levu.
You’ll spend most of your time helping with conservation and awareness efforts in coastal communities through reforestation work, conservation workshops, and beach clean-ups.
The island has great hiking among breathtaking waterfalls and lush rainforests. If relaxing is more your thing, Pacific Harbour has some of the finest, white-sand beaches on the island.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
Darwin200
Darwin200 is an initiative taking 200 conservationists around the world, following the journey Charles Darwin made on the HMS Beagle back in 1831.
Through this programme, you can walk in Darwin's footsteps and better your understanding of conservation as you learn about marine biology. Take part in land-based conservation projects and help to raise awareness surrounding issues like sustainability, the importance of sharks within marine ecosystems, and recycling.
Conservation
As one of the top predators in the marine food chain, sharks play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystems. However, as shark numbers decline, they are becoming more at risk.
Without sharks, coral reefs would die and thousands of species would lose their habitat. In turn, this would take away a major income source for local fishermen and a primary food source for Fijians.
By raising awareness around the issue, you can help prevent the shark population from declining further, protecting both humans and wildlife.
When not learning about life below water, you will also contribute to life on land. Take part in beach clean-ups to clear the rubbish that collects along the shoreline from around the world and maintain Fiji’s scenic coastline.
Working in the mangrove nursery and preparing mangrove seedlings to plant around the local area, you will also be helping the fight against deforestation.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food & accommodation
During your time in Fiji, you will be staying at the Ventura Apartments in shared accommodation. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and interns, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together.
All accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector
Want to know more?
If you're interested in this Darwin200 programme or would like to know more about it, get in touch with one of our Programme Experts and they will be happy to help!
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