About Us
Founded in 2013, MRCI is a government-approved organisation in Madagascar working across environmental research, conservation, community development, medical assistance, and content creation. Its projects focus on marine, forest, and turtle conservation, alongside education and infrastructure support in remote villages. In partnership with international organisations, MRCI conducts long-term biodiversity monitoring and species protection initiatives on land and underwater. It also supports community health and education while providing a safe, inclusive space for global volunteers to contribute to sustainable development and conservation in Madagascar.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
At MRCI on Nosy Komba, volunteers engage in hands-on marine conservation and community impact activities. These include ecological monitoring dives to survey fish, invertebrates, and corals, data entry and analysis, Dive Against Debris with the PADI AWARE Foundation, beach clean-ups with Ocean Conservancy, Coral Watch coral health monitoring, artificial reef construction and maintenance, and environmental education workshops that support long-term protection of marine ecosystems and local communities.
Requirements
To join the Marine Conservation Program, volunteers must hold a PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) to take part in reef surveys. Those without certification can complete training at our research centre in Madagascar, but PADI e-learning theory must be finished before arrival due to limited Wi-Fi. Applicants should specify their dive level and any required training. A minimum stay of four weeks is required to complete dive and research training.
Participants must be at least 18 years old (exceptions may be considered with parental or guardian consent) and have an intermediate level of English. There are no nationality restrictions. Volunteers are expected to commit Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30. Any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements should be communicated in advance to ensure appropriate support.
Volunteer experience
The schedule may vary significantly depending on boats, tides, and project needs. Volunteers must follow instructions from in-country staff and remain flexible. Daily life in Madagascar is shaped by family, boats, and tides, so the “mora-mora” (slow down) approach is encouraged—relax and enjoy the journey.
Typical Day:
Each program includes morning and afternoon activities. After dinner, a daily briefing is held to review the next day’s schedule. Please note that timings may change depending on tides and project conditions.
Sample Schedule:
05:00–07:00 — Breakfast at camp
06:00–08:00 — Morning project activities begin
12:00 — Lunch at camp
14:00 — Afternoon project activities begin
16:00–17:00 — Activities conclude
18:00 — Dinner at camp
18:45 — Daily briefing for next day’s plan
To ensure the sustainability of our programs and support local partners and communities, program fees are required. Below are the costs for the Marine Conservation Program:
4 weeks: €2228
5 weeks: €2601
6 weeks: €2975
7 weeks: €3348
8 weeks: €3722
9 weeks: €4095
10 weeks: €4469
11 weeks: €4843
12 weeks: €5216
Our camp consists of locally built bungalows with bunk beds used as volunteer sleeping quarters. Volunteers typically share a hut with three to four others and must bring their own bedding, mosquito net, and towels. Bathroom facilities include running water, flush toilets, and cold-water showers.
Private rooms are available at an additional cost and subject to availability: single rooms are $230 per week and double rooms are $280 per week.
The camp is eco-friendly with solar-powered lighting. However, there are no charging facilities for electronic devices, so volunteers are encouraged to bring a solar panel and battery pack for charging devices.
On camp, volunteers are provided with three meals a day, seven days a week. Meals are prepared by on-site cooks using traditional Malagasy methods and fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The diet is typically rice-based, served with beans in sauce and vegetables, with variations depending on seasonal availability. Meals may also include fish/seafood, beef (zebu), or chicken, usually served in sauce over rice.
Breakfast typically includes bananas along with baguettes and jam, eggs, or crepes. Vegetarian options are available for all meals. However, due to logistical constraints in this remote location, vegan meals cannot be provided.
Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs on Nosy Komba, so cash must be withdrawn on Nosy Be. ATMs accept VISA cards, while only a few accept MasterCard. Depending on weekend activities and personal spending on souvenirs and snacks, volunteers typically need around $50–$150 USD per week.
Popular weekend activities (usually organised independently by volunteers unless stated otherwise) include: Lokobe Forest Reserve, Discovery SCUBA Diving (MRCI), SCUBA Dive Training (MRCI), guided exploration of Nosy Komba, Tanikely Natural Reserve, Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (swimming/snorkelling), seasonal whale shark watching, Sacred Tree and Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be, Mount Passot hike, Lemur Land Park (Nosy Be) or Lemur Park (Ampang Village), Ankarana National Park, Amber Mountain National Park, plantation visits in Ambanja, and trips to Diego Suarez (Emerald Sea, Three Bays, Tsingy Rouge, and more).
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