This interesting volunteering job will take place at the coral reef conservation area Chumbe Island which is situated not far off the coast of Zanzibar. With more than 200 species of corals and around 370 species of fish the reef can count with an extraordinary abundance of life-forms. Luckily, it could preserve its almost pristine condition. The conservation of the reef is financed by a private company which operates ecologically sustainable and socially responsible tourism activities in the conservation area. The business has won numerous awards for its achievements; the concept for instance has been chosen as a “worldwide project” at the Expo 2000 in Hanover.

In the vicinity of the coral park on an islet there is a small eco-hotel which makes use of a complex filtration system to convert rain water into freshwater, uses solar energy to generate electricity and heat the water for showers, and solves the problem of sewages by means of composting eco-toilets.

 

For tourists, but also for local school classes, educational diving and snorkelling excursions are offered at the reef. During the Islamic fastening month of Ramadan however, these instructors cannot dive for religious reasons and every year replacement instructors are needed to do this job during Ramadan. The volunteers should be good swimmers and they should have experience with diving and snorkelling. Ideally, they should also have knowledge about marine biology, corals and other sea species.

 

Beginning of the placement is about one month before the start of Ramadan (see the dates for the upcoming years below). The volunteers will first take part at the tours in order to learn everything which is needed. With the beginning of Ramadan they will then guide the tours themselves for the entire duration of the fastening month.

 

The dates for Ramadan are:

 
2009: 21st of August – 20th of September
2010: 10th of August – 9th of September

Accommodation and meals will be provided by the hotel.