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Join a team in the Philippines and work alongside the community on Malapascua Island to protect biodiversity and marine resources. Eco-tourism trips in Asia
Meeting the needs of local communities and protecting marine life
How can we balance the need to protect marine life with the needs of the communities that depend on it?
The partner organisation was founded on the simple premise 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. The partner organisation has been working since 2015 with communities on the island of Malapascua to develop local management of marine resources, for the mutual benefit of the population and the environment. 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 its adoption on a wider scale. 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. Below you will find a description of the five programmes, an explanation of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on activities, and the association’s objectives for 2022–2023.
- 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 change to help achieve healthy seas and resilient livelihoods.
The work of an eco-volunteer
By joining our partner organisation in the Philippines, you’ll be providing long-term support to the community in Malapascua and contributing to exciting projects:
- Promoting reusable nappies to the local community and the local council
- A study of Acanthaster planci, a coral-eating starfish that is currently overpopulated
- Analysis of the seagrass bed ecosystem at Malapascua
- Mapping of marine habitats around Malapascua Island
- Production of videos illustrating the various tasks
- And much more besides…
There is no standard assignment, as every assignment and every project is designed by and for the eco-volunteer. The projects mentioned above are simply examples to help guide you in developing your own project! Contact the partner organisation by clicking on “Contact the organisation” and filling in the form to receive further information.
TIMETABLE:
We work from Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 5 pm, with a generous 1½-hour lunch break. We do not work on Sundays or public holidays (there are 21 of them a year in the Philippines!). Every month, you have the option of taking an additional flexible day off.
DATES:
- Minimum 4 weeks, departures all year round (no departures in December)
Arrival on the first Saturday of each month
PRICES:
- 4 weeks: €1,110
- 12 weeks: €2,930
- Discounts available for longer stays
- Tax deduction may be available
The partner organisation is a charity. It can therefore issue you with a tax receipt
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Homestay accommodation with a local family
- Breakfast and lunch on every working day, with unlimited water, tea and coffee
- A T-shirt from the charity
- Comprehensive on-site logistical support
- Comprehensive support and guidance 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)
- A trip to the Philippines and Malapascua
- Visa fees
- Personal health insurance
- Personal diving insurance (compulsory)
- Dinners and all meals on rest days
- Personal expenses
Opening hours
You will work from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm, with a generous 1½-hour lunch break. You will have Sundays and public holidays off (there are 21 of them a year in the Philippines!). Every month, you have the option of taking an additional flexible day off.
HOUSING:
Eco-volunteers stay with a host family. The homestay programme, Inato Homestay, was set up to provide families on the island with an alternative source of income by welcoming tourists or volunteers into their homes. The eco-volunteer will live with a host family and discover Filipino culture: eating, sleeping and living like a local! All families love sharing their culture and getting to know the volunteers. You will have your own room as well as shared use of the bathroom. The family provides towels and bed linen.
Sundays and public holidays are free so you can enjoy Malapascua to the full: explore the island, discover its magnificent beaches and landscapes, sample the local cuisine at the island’s many restaurants, or learn more about the culture and people of Malapascua!
Make the most of your free time to enjoy quality moments with your host family and organise picnics on the beach. For those who wish to explore the ocean further, you can take diving courses or go on recreational dives through the island’s diving clubs. Finally, admire the splendour of the waters whilst snorkelling!
About our partner organisation
Since its inception in 2015, the People and the Sea team has been working closely with 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 trip or an enriching work placement, immerse yourself in a tailor-made holiday combining marine conservation and international solidarity!
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