Marine & Ocean Conservation
Program Overview
Join BDF's Marine & Ocean Conservation Volunteer Program and make a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated local conservation teams. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Java/Indian ocean, this program offers the opportunity to help protect vibrant coral reef ecosystems, monitor and conserve dolphin populations, and support the wellbeing of coastal communities.
What are the key responsibilities of a Marine & Ocean Conservation Volunteer?
Marine Conservation volunteers play an active role in protecting and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems through hands-on fieldwork and research. Key responsibilities include participating in coral reef restoration projects, conducting beach and reef clean-ups, collecting environmental data, and monitoring the impacts of pollution and human activity on marine life.
On the other hand, conservation does not just include practical work, volunteers will take part in a range of theory and classroom based work which include the provision of educational awareness sessions at local schools or planning beach-clean up initiatives.
Please note: although many activities include the option of scuba diving, you do not need to be an experienced diver to participate as snorkelling options are available. However, if you would like to take a diving course, this may come at an additional cost.
What would a day in the life of a Marine & Ocean Conservation Volunteer look like?
➔ 6am: Wake-up and get ready for the day on campus
➔ 6:30am: Enjoy breakfast in our campus kitchen
➔ 7am: Picked up at NBSA accommodation to travel to the program site
➔ 8am-12pm: Conduct snorkeling or diving surveys off the coast of Lovina to monitor and record dolphin behaviour.
➔ 1-3pm: Relax on your lunch break during the hottest part of the day
➔ 3-4pm: Plan a local beach clean-up initiative
➔ 4-7pm: Relax with your fellow volunteers and explore the beautiful beaches
➔ 7-9pm: Enjoy local cuisine for your dinner
➔ 9-11pm: Bed time!
The Marine Conservation Volunteer Program follows an alternating schedule, allowing volunteers to contribute to two key conservation initiatives while enjoying regular rest days. One day is dedicated to dolphin conservation activities, followed by a rest day, then a day focused on coral reef restoration, with the cycle repeating throughout the program.
Below is an example of a dolphin conservation day schedule:
What attributes do BDF look for in a Marine & Ocean Conservation Volunteer?
➔ A genuine passion for ocean conservation and a strong commitment to protecting local wildlife and marine ecosystems.
➔ Effective communicating skills are required as this volunteer program involves collaborating with local Indonesian communities and partner organizations to achieve shared conservation goals.