Apply now for our Conservation Research Programme
Our Conservation Research Programme is designed as an 8-week programme starting at the beginning of January, April, July and October each year. You can join from a minimum of 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 8 weeks. To participate in the full range of activities you will want to stay for the full 8 weeks!
2025 Dates
Please contact info@seedmadagascar.org if you have any queries.
| Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 09 – 23 Jan | 23 Jan – 6 Feb | 06 – 20 Feb | 20 Feb – 6 Mar |
| April | 01 – 15 Apr | 15 – 29 Apr | 29 Apr – 13 May | 13 – 27 May |
| July | 01 – 15 July | 15 – 29 July | 29 July – 12 Aug | 12 – 26 Aug |
| October | 07 – 21 Oct | 21 Oct – 04 Nov | 04 – 18 Nov | 18 Nov – 02 Dec |
Please note that there is a mid-scheme break between modules 2 and 3 to allow our research staff to have a break from Sainte Luce and to work in the office for a few days. This means that if your programme dates overlap with the mid-scheme break, you will be driven back to Fort Dauphin for a few days of free time in town.
During the break there will be a chance for you to come into the office and help with conservation research computer-based tasks, but you can also organise your own day trips. There are plenty of things to do while in town so don't hesitate to ask any of our staff members if you need ideas or help organising!
Join us in Madagascar and contribute to essential conservation research!
Programme Costs
To participate on the SEED Conservation Research Programme, we ask for a non-refundable deposit of £200 to confirm your place and then a pledge to raise a donation* towards our charitable causes as shown in the table below - of course we would be delighted if you manage to raise more!
| Duration | Deposit | Donation | Total Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | £200 | £595 | £795 |
| 4 weeks | £200 | £1,195 | £1,395 |
| 6 weeks | £200 | £1,595 | £1,795 |
| 8 weeks | £200 | £1,995 | £2,195 |
How do we use your donation?
We ask all volunteers to raise a minimum donation before they come out to work with the Conservation Research team in Madagascar. This money goes directly to projects at SEED - the majority of the funds you raise support all five programs that SEED run from conservation through health and livelihoods to education. The rest supports the volunteer infrastructure and goes towards individual expenses such as food and transport. We like to be transparent at SEED, so you are welcome to look at our annual accounts document and also the yearly breakdown of expenditures on the accountability page of our website to learn more.
Fundraise with us!
Fundraising is a great way to raise your donation fee and help support the work we do here at SEED Madagascar. By community fundraising for SEED, you are not only spreading the word about the cool and interesting work you'll be doing in Madagascar, but you are also helping the charity by engaging new supporters and generating additional funds that will help us achieve our mission - building community and environmental resilience in South East Madagascar.
If you would like to fundraise - we're here to help! We have a fundraising guide to get you started, and we will be supporting your journey every step of the way.
Additional Costs
Additionally, volunteers need to cover their own pre-departure costs which are often around £1,000 - £1,500 but vary depending on programme duration, your country of departure and seasonality.
| International flights | £550 - £1000 |
| Internal flights (Antananarivo to Fort Dauphin-return) | £280 - £400 |
| Comprehensive travel insurance | £60 - £150 |
| Tourist visa | £20 - £40 |
| Vaccinations, anti- malarial drugs and other medical preparations | £30 - £80 |
| Personal equipment (including tent and sleeping mat) | £0 - £100 |
Questions?
Most of the questions people usually ask are answered in our FAQs. Otherwise, email us at info@seedmadagascar.org. We love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have!
Gift Aid
* SEED Madagascar seeks to maximise donations to the charity by claiming Gift Aid from UK taxpayers which can increase the value of funds you raise for us by 25% at no extra cost to you. Gift Aid can be claimed at the point of online donation by our partner Enthuse. Full details on eligibility for Gift Aid can be found here https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid/what-you-can-claim-it-on.
Under these criteria, the deposit of £200 does not qualify and nor do any payments for additional expenses such as tent hire or internal flights. SEED can claim Gift Aid on all the donation you raise. While Gift Aid is an important part of our charity income, we do not count it toward your Total Contribution - but we very much appreciate the value added extra boost it gives to fund our charitable work. You are welcome to contact the Inland Revenue or SEED Madagascar should you have any further questions regarding Gift Aid.