Marine Conservation
Volunteering

Marine Conservation in Africa: Protecting the Seas of the Seychelles and Madagascar

Petrina Darrah

Posted: May 10, 2023

Marine conservation is an issue of utmost importance in Africa, a continent with vast coastlines and rich marine biodiversity. The oceans surrounding Africa provide food and livelihoods for millions of people, while also serving as critical habitats for countless species of marine life. However, these marine ecosystems face a variety of threats, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

Seychelles: A Marine Paradise

Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. The islands are home to a stunning array of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, rays, and colourful reef fish. The waters around Seychelles are also home to several critically endangered species, including the hawksbill turtle and the giant tortoise.

Despite the Seychelles’ relatively small size, the islands face a number of serious threats to their marine ecosystems. Overfishing is a major concern, with some species, such as the bumphead parrotfish, being heavily targeted. Plastic pollution is also a growing problem, with an estimated 130,000 tons of plastic entering the ocean around the Seychelles each year. Climate change is also having an impact, with rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification threatening the health of coral reefs.

Thankfully, there are many ongoing marine conservation efforts in the Seychelles aimed at mitigating these threats. The government has established a number of marine protected areas, which restrict fishing and other activities in sensitive areas. Sustainable fishing practices, such as using fishing gear that minimises bycatch, are also being encouraged. Several NGOs, including the Seychelles Island Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, are working on conservation initiatives, such as coral reef restoration and sea turtle monitoring.

One organisation that is making a significant contribution to marine conservation in the Seychelles is GVI. Their marine conservation volunteering program provides participants with the opportunity to assist with a variety of conservation projects, including coral reef monitoring, sea turtle research, and marine debris removal. Volunteers work alongside local experts and community members, gaining valuable skills and contributing to meaningful conservation efforts.

Madagascar: A Haven for Marine Biodiversity

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is located off the southeastern coast of Africa. The island is known for its incredible biodiversity, including a wide variety of unique plant and animal species. Madagascar’s marine ecosystems are equally impressive, with coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds providing habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including several species of whales and dolphins.

Unfortunately, Madagascar’s marine ecosystems are facing a variety of threats. Destructive fishing practices, such as the use of dynamite and cyanide, are degrading coral reefs and other habitats. Overfishing is also a problem, with many fish populations declining. Pollution from land-based sources, such as runoff from agricultural activities and untreated sewage, is also impacting the health of Madagascar’s marine ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, there are many dedicated individuals and organisations working to protect Madagascar’s marine biodiversity. The government has established several marine protected areas, and there are many community-led conservation initiatives, such as the Velondriake Community Managed Protected Area. NGOs, such as Blue Ventures and Reef Doctor, are also working on conservation initiatives, such as sustainable fishing and coral reef restoration.

GVI’s marine conservation volunteering program in Madagascar provides participants with the opportunity to contribute to these efforts. Volunteers work alongside local partners to monitor and restore coral reefs, conduct sea turtle surveys, and promote sustainable fishing practices. Through their work, GVI volunteers help to improve the health of Madagascar’s marine ecosystems, while also gaining valuable skills and building connections with local communities.

Volunteering in Marine Conservation in Africa with GVI

In the Seychelles, GVI’s marine conservation program focuses on the conservation of coral reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life. Volunteers work alongside local partners to conduct coral reef surveys and monitoring, remove marine debris from the ocean and beaches, and promote sustainable fishing practices. The program also includes opportunities to participate in sea turtle monitoring and nest protection, as well as community outreach and education initiatives.

In Nosy Be, Madagascar, GVI’s marine conservation program focuses on coral reef conservation, marine research, and community outreach. Volunteers work alongside local partners to conduct coral reef surveys, monitoring, and restoration, and participate in research initiatives focused on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. The program also includes opportunities to work on community outreach and education initiatives, such as teaching local communities about sustainable fishing practices and the importance of marine conservation.

Both programs offer volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable skills in marine conservation and research, while also making a positive impact on the health of marine ecosystems in Africa. By working alongside local partners, volunteers gain a deep understanding of the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the efforts being made to protect them. These programs are also designed to be sustainable and responsible, with a focus on building long-term partnerships with local communities and organisations.

The Importance of Volunteering in Marine Conservation

Volunteering in marine conservation is an excellent way to contribute to the protection of our oceans and the wildlife that depends on them. By volunteering, individuals can gain hands-on experience in conservation work, learn about the challenges facing marine ecosystems, and make a positive impact in their local communities. Volunteering can also be a great way to meet like-minded people and make lasting connections.

However, it is important to choose a volunteering program that is responsible and ethical. GVI is committed to providing meaningful and sustainable volunteering experiences, and they work closely with local partners to ensure that their programs have a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

Marine conservation is an urgent issue in Africa, where the health of marine ecosystems is critical to the well-being of both people and wildlife. The islands of the Seychelles and Madagascar are home to some of the most unique and biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, but these ecosystems are facing a variety of threats. Ongoing conservation efforts, such as those led by the government, NGOs, and community organisations, are crucial for protecting these valuable resources.

Volunteering in marine conservation, through programs like those offered by GVI, can be an excellent way to contribute to these efforts. By working alongside local partners, volunteers can gain valuable skills and make a meaningful impact on the health of our oceans. Whether through volunteering or other means, it is important for all of us to take action to protect the marine ecosystems of Africa and the world.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.