Family marine volunteering, South Africa

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Actively involved in education, coastal clean-ups and community programmes, this marine conservation project is a pioneer in responsible and eco marine tourism.

Accommodation is on-site which means volunteers are in walking distance from the project. The restaurant and small gift shop is a constant beehive of activities that serves light meals from locally sourced food. Vegetarian meals available when possible.

Environmental and Wildlife

Local school groups are engaged in many beach clean ups. Data about the amount and type of trash collected, is logged to affect changes. Spreading the message of reduce, reuse and recycle ultimately reducing their ecological footprint. The centre recycles waste and encourages suppliers to use less plastic. All aspects of the Trust and the associated eco-tourism business place a high priority of minimising waste.

Born out of necessity to protect the endemic marine ecosystem and increasingly threatened species, funds supports local marine-based environmental education and research programmes to create long-term community-driven marine conservation & eco-tourism in the greater area. In partnership with CapeNature, the nest project the African Penguin biodiversity management plan have successfully replaced the majority of colonies which have become essential in the protection of this endangered species. The marine project is focused on the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 15 Live below Water - SDG 14 Life on Land - SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production - SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.

The research trust is well-respected in the field and includes expert scientists and entrepreneurs among its trustees. It has worked in partnership with the Department of Environmental Affairs; CapeNature; SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Care of Coastal Birds); research units at the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria; the WWF and various local conservation organisations.

People

Local economy

The marine wildlife surrounding our local coastal, is among some of the most breath-taking in the country. Our team is broad and diverse, with people who truly are the best at what they do, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures who are unified in their love of the marine environment. The Fair Trade company employs over 100 staff from the surrounding area and is a economical booster for the small coastal town. It helps local staff to get exposure to people from other countries and cultures. Also you will contribute directly to the local economy by staying there and spending your money.

Economic, inclusivity and diversity

The marine academy continue to give back to the community and everyone who joins is given the opportunity to do so alongside us. A dedicated environmental education program works with groups of young learners from a disadvantaged background and has been running for a couple of years to monitor and evaluate the impact and growth of each and every individual learner. Their aim is to expose these young learners to the field of science and conservation and serve as a forerunner for future skills training. The projects also works local schools supporting their education efforts and work with their local football foundation who coordinates a regular learning programme.

As a volunteer, you can help local people in direct ways too. It helps local staff to get exposure to people from other countries and cultures. Also you will contribute directly to the local economy by staying there and spending your money.