Marine Conservation Volunteer Program

Imagine spending your days exploring tropical coral reefs, learning marine research techniques,
and contributing directly to the protection of one of the world’s most biodiverse marine
environments.
Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) is a non-profit marine conservation organization based
in the coastal community of Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Since 2015, MCP has
worked to protect coral reefs, marine wildlife, and coastal ecosystems through scientific
research, environmental education, and community-based conservation initiatives.
Our international volunteers are an important part of this mission. Whether you are a student,
gap-year traveler, aspiring marine biologist, diver, or simply someone passionate about
protecting the ocean, you can contribute to meaningful conservation projects while gaining
valuable hands-on experience.
Volunteers work alongside marine scientists, conservation professionals, local staff, and fellow
volunteers from around the world. Depending on your interests and qualifications, you may
participate in coral reef monitoring, marine biodiversity surveys, environmental education,
mangrove conservation, community outreach, and scientific data collection. Other people join us
to become divemasters and technical divers able to lead advanced scientific work field work
elsewhere.
This is more than a volunteer placement. It is an opportunity to learn new skills, experience life
in a tropical coastal community, and become part of a global effort to protect our oceans.

Monitor coral reefs and marine protected areas.
● Record marine biodiversity, including fish, corals, turtles, and other marine life.
● Support local conservation initiatives and environmental education programs.
● Strengthen community awareness about marine protection.
● Assist mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystem projects.
● Generate valuable scientific data used by conservation managers and researchers.

Activities vary throughout the year depending on conservation priorities, weather conditions, and
volunteer qualifications.
Potential volunteer activities can be distributed into 3 blocks:
Block 1: Marine Conservation Activities
● Coral reef monitoring and underwater surveys.
● Fish and marine biodiversity assessments.
● Reef health monitoring and data collection.
● Marine protected area performance assessments.
● Mangrove and coastal ecosystem conservation projects.
● Marine debris and environmental monitoring activities.
Block 2: Research Support
● Scientific data entry and management.
● Species identification and survey processing.
● Assisting researchers with ongoing conservation projects.
Block 3: Community and Education Activities
● Supporting environmental education sessions with local youth
● Community awareness and outreach programs.

• We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.
  You do not need previous marine conservation experience to join our programs, nor do you
  need to be a certified scuba diver. Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn is all we ask
  for, and we are very happy to teach scuba diving to beginners, allowing them to help with our
  scientific work within a few weeks.
  General requirements include:
  * Minimum age of 18 years. (We accept volunteers up to 60 years of age)
  * Good level of English communication.
  * Interest in conservation, marine life, or environmental issues.
  * Positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a diverse international team.
  * Respect for local culture and community values.
  * Ability to work in tropical conditions.
  To be able to scuba dive, which is part of the program for all participants,
  * You need to answer some questions on your health, and depending on your answers you may
  need to get approval to scuba dive from a doctor.
  * You do not need to be a world class swimmer at all, but you do need to be able to swim.
  Training and orientation are provided upon arrival.

The project is located in Zamboanguita, a peaceful coastal town in Negros Oriental,
Philippines.
Surrounded by warm tropical waters and vibrant coral reefs, the area is renowned for its
marine biodiversity and relaxed island atmosphere. The project site is just across the strait from
Ago Island, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated marine protected areas and a world-famous
destination for sea turtle encounters and coral reef conservation.
Volunteers enjoy a unique combination of conservation work and tropical living. Free
time can be spent snorkeling, diving, exploring waterfalls, visiting local markets, hiking in the
mountains, or simply relaxing by the sea.
The nearest airport is Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport (DGT), approximately one hour from
the project site

• Program Fees and Inclusions Information:
  What the fee covers:
  ● Airport pick-up upon arrival.
  ● Homestay or guesthouse accommodation (5–7 minutes’ walk from WB8 Children’s
  Home).
  ● 3 meals per day.
  ● Free tea/coffee/water + fruits and snacks. Open kitchen policy at all times, so you can
  help yourself outside of meals.
  ● Certificate of International Volunteer Service and Letter of Recommendation.
  ● In-country orientation and training.
  ● 24/7 local and emergency support.
  ● Pre-departure support from your Program Manager.
  ● Complete personal scuba gear for the whole duration. (Including computer, compass,
  safety bouy etc.)
  ● Free participation in PADI scuba courses (manual and certification has to be paid by
  participants)

What the fee does not cover:
● International flights.
● Visa fees.
● Travel insurance.
● Personal expenses.

• Marine conservation is rewarding, but it is also real fieldwork.
  Volunteers should be prepared for:
  ● Working in tropical heat and humidity.
  ● Early starts for field activities
  ● Physically active days both in and out of the water.
  ● Flexible schedules influenced by weather and sea conditions.
  ● Working as part of a team in a multicultural environment.
  ● Living in a small coastal community with a simpler pace of life than many visitors may be
  used to.
  The experience is often described as challenging, educational, and deeply rewarding.
  Volunteers who arrive with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn typically
  gain the most from their time with MCP.
  Many volunteers leave not only with new skills and unforgettable memories, but also with the
  satisfaction of having contributed to the protection of some of the planet’s most valuable marine
  ecosystems.