Join a team in the Philippines and dive into the heart of marine conservation! Take part in hands-on projects alongside the communities on the islands of Malapascua and Higatangan, combining fieldwork and scuba diving to protect biodiversity and marine resources. See all marine conservation projects here.
Meeting the needs of local communities and protecting marine life
How can we reconcile the need to protect marine life with the needs of the communities that depend on it?
The partner organisation was founded on the obvious principle that coastal communities should be at the heart of the management and protection of marine environments. They are the ones who have the most to lose from the decline of these resources, and they are the ones who have the most to gain from effective and sustainable marine protection.
Since 2015, the organisation has been working closely with the communities on the island of Malapascua to establish local management of marine resources, with a view to achieving mutual benefits for both the local population and the environment.
After Malapascua, a second site on Higatangan Island
In 2021, it had the opportunity to support the development of a second site on Higatangan Island, with a strong focus on fisheries management. The organisation has since established part of its marine science activities there, as well as its diving programme.
By listening to the community’s needs, it has tested and identified a successful and replicable model, based on the communities’ potential to defend their rights and the sea.
Eco-entrepreneurship, zero waste…
Its strategy is based on the development, expansion and adoption of models that have a positive impact. Once it has identified a successful initiative, it helps communities to share their experiences in order to encourage wider adoption. It also promotes the sharing of experiences and disseminates results, methods and tools through its network. It works across five main areas, with a large number of cross-cutting initiatives carried out on an ongoing basis.
- Education and the environment
- Auto-eco-entrepreneurship
- Zero-waste communities
- Participatory and collective management of marine resources
- Sustainable fishing
Thanks to a team of dedicated staff, volunteers and local people, numerous projects have been launched! These include the creation of a marine protected area, educational programmes for young people, a savings club scheme, and more.
At the heart of the partner organisation’s mission lies the belief that these local communities must be at the centre of efforts to protect and preserve the oceans. With the right support, its team is convinced that they can bring about profound changes to work towards healthy seas and resilient livelihoods.
The work of an eco-volunteer
Week 1 – Introduction to Malapascua
You begin your adventure on the island of Malapascua, where you’ll receive a comprehensive overview of the conservation programmes, meet the team and learn about the impact of the partner organisation’s work. This first week is dedicated to learning about the mission and receiving training across all areas of work: marine protection, sustainable fishing, waste management and economic resilience. It is the perfect foundation for a meaningful and engaging experience.
Week 2 – Off to Higatangan & Diving
CourseYou’ll head to Higatangan Island to complete your Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water certifications whilst exploring the surrounding coral reefs.
Weeks 3 to 5 – Reef
training You’ll stay on Higatangan to undertake specialist training on reefs and take part in marine science courses. You’ll learn how to assess and protect coral ecosystems whilst working alongside the local community
- Workshops on identifying invertebrates and benthic cover
- Methods for studying and monitoring coral reefs
- Assessment and management of crown-of-thorns starfish populations
- Identifying reef fish
- Fishing effort observations
TIMETABLE:
The team works from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm, with a one-hour lunch break. They do not work on Sundays or public holidays (there are 21 of them a year in the Philippines!). Two dives are scheduled each day, from Monday to Friday. Every month, you have the option of taking an additional flexible day off.
DATES:
- Minimum 4 weeks, departures in June, July, August and September
- Arrives on the first Saturday of every month
PRICES:
- €1,885 (includes 1 diving certification) for 4 weeks
- €2,085 (includes 2 diving certifications)for 4 weeks
- For each additional week: €350
Eligible for tax deduction
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Homestay accommodation with a local family in Malapascua and Higatangan.
- In Malapascua: breakfast and lunch on weekdays.
- At Higatangan: breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
- The Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water course
- Training in the identification of marine species and survey methodology
- Return boat transfers between Malapascua and Higatangan.
- Use of diving equipment (BCD and regulator) – you will need to bring your own personal equipment: wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel and dive computer. (We can hire out a dive computer for €10 per week if required.)
- A T-shirt from the charity
- Comprehensive on-site logistical support
- Comprehensive support and advice to help you settle in and throughout your assignment
- The opportunity to work alongside a Filipino team, at the heart of a community dedicated to marine conservation.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Membership of the association (€15)
- PADI certification fees
- Return flights and transfers to and from Malapascua/Higatangan at the start and end of your stay
- Visa fees
- Personal health insurance
- Personal diving insurance (compulsory)
- Evening meals and meals on days off in Malapascua
- All meals on rest days
- Personal expenses
- All your personal diving equipment
Two islands, two unique experiences, close to the people, close to the sea; for a meaningful adventure.
Malapascua
It’s a lively island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. It measures roughly 2.5 km by 1 km, so it’s really easy to explore on foot. Although it’s quite densely populated, it remains a very rural place with little infrastructure: no cars, houses often built from simple materials, and water and electricity can be in short supply. The main language here is Cebuano, typical of the Visayas region, but most locals also speak Tagalog, the national language, and English.
As for the scenery? Malapascua is a real little paradise for travellers: white sandy beaches, incredible snorkelling spots, all sorts of restaurants… But this tourism boom has also brought its share of environmental challenges — and that’s exactly why we’re here!
Higatangan
It’s quite the opposite: calm, secluded, and off the beaten track. This peaceful little island is home to a close-knit fishing community, with whom we work closely. Here, life follows the rhythm of the sea – stress-free, with no crowds, just nature and genuine encounters. We’re lucky to be among the first organisations to dive on these still-pristine reefs, teeming with marine life. Electricity is only available between 3pm and 11pm; perfect for switching off a bit and taking a proper ‘detox’ break. Whether you’re observing the corals, diving with the fish or learning from the local fishermen, every moment on Higatangan is a total immersion in marine conservation, in its raw and authentic form.
HOUSING:
Eco-volunteers stay with a host family. The Inatô Homestay association was set up to provide families on the island with an alternative source of income by welcoming tourists or volunteers into their homes. Eco-volunteers will live with a host family and discover Filipino culture: eating, sleeping and living like a local! All families enjoy sharing their culture and getting to know the volunteers. Volunteers have their own bedroom and shared use of the bathroom. The family provides towels and bed linen.
- Célia’s testimonial: “I had a wonderful time with this family; I felt like a full member of the household. Everyone was so kind to me, and I had lots of chats with the two sisters and their brother. I must admit that my favourite was their son, Loki, who was four years old. Filipino hospitality is widely renowned, and my host family was a perfect example of that.”
- Alexander’s account: “During my stay, I was invited to two special dinners which I really enjoyed! One was a sort of family gathering, and the other a birthday party for the son. I felt very included in the family activities, and these moments made my experience truly unforgettable! On top of that, Tong, the father in my homestay, was my diving instructor for my advanced course, which was a fantastic experience and a great way to bond!”
- Sundays and public holidays are free so that you can enjoy the full Malapascua and Higatangan experience: explore both islands, discover their stunning beaches and scenery, sample the local cuisine at the many restaurants on Malapascua and Higatangan, or learn more about the culture and the local people!
- Why not make the most of this free time to spend some quality time with your host family and organise picnics on the beach? Finally, take in the splendour of the sea by going snorkelling!
- Basketball and karaoke are two national pastimes (yes, really!) in the Philippines. Rest assured, you’ll be warmly invited to join in with one or the other… or even both! Whether it’s playing an impromptu game of basketball or singing a few songs with the locals, it’s the perfect opportunity to make friends whilst having fun.
About our partner organisation
Since its inception in 2015, our partner team has been working at the heart of the Malapascua community to help them adopt more resilient ways of life and protect their marine resources. Whether you’re looking for an eco-tourism experience or an enriching work placement, immerse yourself in a tailor-made trip combining marine conservation and international solidarity!
