Q: Could you give us a short background on Coral Cay Conservation:
A: CCC Expeditions is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation at the cutting edge of eco-tourism. CCC works at the invitation of and in partnership with local stakeholders within host countries. CCC trains Volunteers to collect baseline ecological data. Through the analysis of this data and the production of GIS systems, maps, reports and other outputs, CCC is able to provide effective management recommendations required by project counterparts. Since its establishment in 1986, thousands of Volunteers have participated on CCC marine and terrestrial expeditions throughout Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean.
Coral Cay Conservation provides resources to help sustain livelihoods and alleviate poverty through the protection, restoration and management of coral reefs and tropical forests. We achieve these aims by:
• providing technical and financial support that countries need in order to produce conservation management plans for threatened reefs and forests;
• training international volunteers and host-country partners to gather, interpret and monitor the data that’s so crucial for effective conservation;
• Working with host-country governments and other organizations to encourage education and sustainable livelihood opportunities in local communities.
Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?
A: CCC Expedition life is a busy one! A break down of a standard Volunteer week on a marine expedition is as follows:
Monday- Friday: Mondays to Fridays, the focus is on research with a wake-up call for breakfast at 05.30hrs! Whilst a team of local and international staff are on-hand to provide guidance and oversee expedition activities, Volunteers are expected to take an active part in managing all aspects of expedition life, including the more mundane chores such as helping keeping the expedition base clean and tidy.
Daily Activities: Between PADI dives surveys (up to two each day) and lunch (12.00hrs) there are a series of briefings, training exercises and data management sessions, plus the usual daily chores. Dinner at 18.00hrs is followed by a de-briefing session and further training opportunities. At 22.00hrs the expedition base is secured for the night and the lights go off.
Weekends: Upon completion of the various initial training courses provided to Volunteers upon arrival (e.g. the core Skills Development Training Programme - refer to the CCC Expedition Guide for further details), at weekends the expedition team can take life just a little bit easier. Saturdays are reserved for recreational diving (conditions permitting) and optional advanced SCUBA skills development courses (up to PADI Dive Master certification). Saturday night is party night! Sunday’s are reserved for additional training activities, base camp maintenance chores and equipment servicing in preparation for the following weeks survey work. Diving is not permitted on Sundays for safety reasons.
Long weekends: Volunteers spending seven weeks or longer on the expedition will be given the opportunity to take an optional ‘long-weekend break’ away from the expedition base. This is an ideal opportunity for Volunteers to explore surrounding areas, go shopping and make personal calls/emails to friends and family.
The accommodation provided by CCC varies between expedition locations (please refer to the relevant CCC Project Summary for further details). Some CCC expeditions may be located on remote, isolated tropical islands or in uninhabited forests area, whilst others may be located within or adjacent to existing communities. Accommodation is basic, dormitory style. Meals are prepared by Volunteers and staff on a rota basis. Food is based upon local cuisine and seasonal availability of locally produced food.
Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer?
A: Coral Cay Conservation offers reef and forest volunteer project opportunities in the Philippines, Tobago and Papua New Guinea. No previous experience is required as full training is provided. CCC Expeditions are structured as follows:
CCC Marine expeditions consist of a one-week dive training, followed by a
two-week Skills Development Programme and then an unlimited number of
Conservation Weeks. Non-divers must arrive a week earlier to complete the dive-training course.
CCC Terrestrial expeditions have a two-week Skills Development Programme followed by an unlimited number of Conservation Weeks.
The minimum duration of a CCC Expedition is one week. CCC Expeditions run throughout the year.
Q: Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
A: Over a period of 12 years, CCC Volunteers, in collaboration with local partners, assessed the impact of tourism and the fishing industry on the ecological balance of the Belize Barrier Reef. CCC was instrumental in the designation of the Belize Barrier Reef as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. In addition, CCC has been invited to establish projects in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. These have led to further successes, including an initiative to nominate the Tobago Cays National Park (St Vincent and the Grenadines) as a World Heritage Site and the creation of the Danjugan Island Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Philippines).
Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
A: CCC Expeditions are not holidays- they involve a fair measure of hard work despite being great fun and very rewarding. The key to getting the most out of the experience, is what you you put in. This includes enthusiasm, dedication and a keen interest in conservation!
Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
A: Volunteering for CCC is a challenge in itself! From the moment you arrive at a CCC project site you will be immersed in all aspects of expedition life. This might sound bewildering, but don't worry. CCC carefully structures each expedition to ensure that you get the most out of the experience and are able to play a full and active role.
Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
A: Most CCC Volunteers can expect to obtain the following experiences and qualifications:
- Expertise in tropical ecology: Volunteers will gain a deep understanding and appreciation of tropical ecology and develop a range of practical skills in biodiversity assessment and conservation.
- Ideas for the rest of your life: A CCC expedition can allow to you to return to work refreshed with new experiences, a new approach and new ideas. It may even help highlight what you really enjoy or suggest a new career path for you to follow on your return.
- Life-long friendships: Volunteers will meet many people from differing cultures and backgrounds. Some of these may become life-long friends.
- Team-building skills: Volunteers can learn many skills required to live as a self-contained, self-sufficient team often in a remote tropical environment.
- Improved career prospects: Volunteers can gain work experience relevant to a degree or career. In a competitive job market, the CCC experience is one that is recognised by employers and recruiters as giving applicants that extra something, particularly at interviews.
- Independence and a broader outlook on life: A CCC expedition can allow Volunteers to experience different environments and cultures. Many Volunteers return home changed - wiser, well travelled and highly skilled.
Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with Coral Cay Conservation? How is the money used?
A: CCC is unique in that it does not charge the countries in which it operates. As a not-for-profit organisation, Volunteer contributions account for over 95% of the funding CCC uses to run its programmes. There is much behind-the-scenes work done to support CCC projects. A breakdown of where volunteer financial contribution goes can be found on our site.
Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
A: Coral reefs and tropical forests are two of the most important ecosystems on earth. Combined they form the planet’s largest reservoir of biodiversity, but they also provide food and income for millions of people. Despite their biological, social, nutritional, cultural and economic importance however, tropical ecosystems are under immense threat. CCC Volunteers contribute to frontline conservation projects that make a positive difference to these threatened reefs, forests and people who depend on them.
Q: Why should someone volunteer with Coral Cay Conservation?
A: CCC Expeditions offer the following:
Full training in survey techniques, expedition life and, if you need it,
scuba diving. You don't need a science background.
- A chance to work with a team of like-minded volunteers from a range of backgrounds and ages.
- A choice of reef or rainforest projects in spectacular locations worldwide (and a chance to combine both in the Philippines).
- An opportunity to meet local communities and experience local cultures.
- Flexibility with expeditions ranging from 1 to 12 weeks or more, and
departure dates throughout the year. - Satisfaction in knowing that the data you gather on expedition feeds directly into the process of conservation management.
- Reassurance in the knowledge that all expeditions have qualified medical staff and stringent safety procedures.
- An opportunity to contribute to 'front line' conservation projects that make a positive difference to reefs, forests and the people who depend on them.
Q: How can someone get in contact with Coral Cay Conservation and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
A: For more information on Coral Cay Conservation visit our site or contact the Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator on: Tel: +44 (0)20 8545 7717, Email info@coralcay.org
Q: Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad?
A: CCC provides a comprehensive fundraising pack with top tips and ideas on how to fundraise for an expedition. CCC also provides a detailed list of Grant Giving Organizations that fund expeditions and fieldwork.Visit our site for more information.
