Join a team in the Philippines and dive into the heart of marine conservation! Take part in hands-on projects alongside communities on the islands of Malapascua and Higatangan, combining fieldwork and scuba diving to protect biodiversity and marine resources. All marine conservation projects here.
Meeting the needs of local populations and protecting marine life
How can we reconcile the need to protect marine life with the needs of the people who depend on it?
The partner association was born of the obvious idea that coastal communities should have a place at the heart of marine environment management and protection. They are the ones who have the most to lose from the decline of these resources, they are the ones who have the most to gain from effective and sustainable marine protection.
Since 2015, the association has been working closely with communities on the island of Malapascua to implement local management of marine resources, with a view to mutual benefit between population and environment.
After Malapascua, a second site on Higatangan Island
In 2021, it was given the opportunity to support the development of a second site on Higatangan Island, with a strong focus on fisheries management. The association has since set up part of its marine science activities there, as well as its diving activities.
By listening to the needs of the community, it has tested and identified an effective and reproducible model, based on the potential of communities to defend their rights and the sea.
Auto-eco-entrepreneurship, zero waste...
Its strategy is based on the development, expansion and adoption of positive-impact models. After identifying the success of an action, it helps communities to share their experience in order to encourage its wider adoption. It also promotes experience sharing, and shares results, methods and tools across its network. It works in 5 main areas, with a large number of cross-functional actions 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 committed employees, volunteers and locals, many projects have come to fruition! Creation of a marine protected area, education programs for young people, a system of savings clubs, etc.
At the heart of the partner association's mission is the conviction that these local communities must be at the heart of the drive to protect and preserve the oceans. With the right support, its team is convinced that they can lead profound transformations towards healthy seas and resilient livelihoods.
The ecovolunteer action
Week 1 - Introduction to Malapascua
You begin your adventure on the island of Malapascua, where you receive a full presentation of the conservation programs, meet the team and discover the impact of the partner association's work. This first week is dedicated to getting to know the mission and learning about the full range of action: marine protection, sustainable fishing, waste management and economic resilience. It's the ideal foundation for an experience rich in meaning and commitment.
Week 2 - Higatangan & Dive Training
You're off to Higatangan Island to take your Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water certifications, while exploring the surrounding coral reefs.
Weeks 3 to 5 - Reef training
You stay on Higatangan for reef training and marine science courses. You'll learn how to assess and protect coral ecosystems while working alongside the local community.
- Invertebrate and benthic cover identification workshops
- Coral reef survey and monitoring methods
- Assessment and management of acanthaster populations (Crown of Thorns)
- Reef fish identification
- Fishing effort observations
TIMETABLE :
The team works Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 5pm, with a 1-hour lunch break. We don't work on Sundays or public holidays (there are 21 a year in the Philippines!). Two dives are scheduled every day, from Monday to Friday. Every month, you can take an extra flexible day off.
DATES :
- Minimum 4 weeks, departures in June, July, August and September
- Arrival on the 1st Saturday of each month
RATES :
- 1885 € (includes 1 dive certification) for 4 weeks
- 2085 € (includes 2 dive certifications) for 4 weeks
- Each additional week: €350
Mission eligible for tax deduction
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE :
- Homestay with a local family in Malapascua and Higatangan.
- In Malapascua: breakfast and lunch on weekdays.
- In Higatangan: daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Open Water and/or Advanced Open Water training
- Training in marine species identification and census methodology
- Round-trip boat transfers between Malapascua and Higatangan.
- Use of diving equipment (stabilizing vest and regulator) - you'll need to bring your own personal equipment: wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel and dive computer. (We can rent a dive computer for 10 euros/week if required).
- An association T-shirt
- Full on-site logistical support
- Comprehensive support and advice before and during 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 :
- Association membership (15 euros)
- PADI certification fees
- Flights and transfers to and from Malapascua/Higatangan at the beginning and end of your stay
- Visa fees
- Personal medical insurance
- Personal diving insurance (compulsory)
- Evening meals and meals on days off in Malapascua
- All meals on days off
- Personal expenses
- All your personal diving equipment
Two islands, two unique experiences, close to people, close to the sea; for an adventure that makes sense.
Malapascua
It's a lively island in the Visayas, Philippines. It's about 2.5 km by 1 km, so it's super easy to explore on foot. Even though it's quite populated, it's still a very rural place with little infrastructure: no cars, houses often built with simple materials, and both water and electricity can be limited. The main language here is Cebuano, typical of the Visayas region, but most inhabitants also speak Tagalog, the national language, and English.
What about the scenery? Malapascua is a real paradise for travellers: white sandy beaches, incredible snorkeling spots, restaurants of all kinds... But this tourism boom has also brought its share of environmental challenges - and that's precisely why we're here!
Higatangan
It's quite the opposite: quiet, isolated, far off the beaten track. This peaceful little island is home to a close-knit community of fishermen, with whom we work very closely. Here, life follows the rhythm of the sea, with no stress, no crowds, just nature and genuine encounters. We are fortunate to be among the first organizations to dive on these unspoilt reefs, full of marine life. Electricity is only available between 3pm and 11pm, perfect for disconnecting and taking a real "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, raw and true.
HOUSING :
Ecovolunteers stay with a host family. The Inatô Homestay association was set up to offer families on the island an alternative source of income by welcoming tourists or volunteers into their homes. The ecovolunteer will live with a host family and discover Filipino culture: eating, sleeping and living local! All families like to share their culture and get to know the volunteers. Volunteers have their own room and shared access to the bathroom. The family provides towels and bed linen.
- Testimonial from Célia: "I had a great time with this family, I felt like a fully-fledged member. Everyone was so kind to me, and I talked a lot with the two sisters and the brother. I have to admit that my favorite was the son, Loki, who was 4 years old. Philippine hospitality is widely recognized, and my family was proof of that."
- Testimonial from Alexander: "During my stay, I was invited to two special dinners that I really enjoyed! One was a family reunion of sorts, and the other a birthday party for the son. I felt very much 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 vacations are free to allow you to have a complete Malapascua and Higatangan experience: explore both islands, discover its beautiful beaches and landscapes, taste the local food at the many restaurants on the islands of Malapascua and Higatangan or learn more about the culture and the locals!
- Take advantage of this free time to spend some quality time with your host family and organize picnics on the beach. Finally, admire the splendor of the waters by snorkeling!
- Basketball and karaoke are two national sports (yes, yes!) in the Philippines. No worries, you'll be warmly invited to take part in one or the other... or both! Whether you're playing an impromptu game of basketball or singing along with the locals, it's the perfect opportunity to bond and have fun at the same time.
About the partner association
Since its creation in 2015, the People and the Sea team has been working at the heart of the Malapascua community to help them adopt more resilient lifestyles and protect their marine resources. Whether you're looking for an eco-participatory trip or an enriching internship, immerse yourself in a tailor-made stay between marine protection and international solidarity!
