Nature Seychelles, through the Locally Empowered Area Protection (LEAP) project, has been conducting scientific research on the marine ecosystems of the Port Launay and Baie Ternay Marine National Parks. The LEAP project is offering an opportunity for 2 volunteers to work with the LEAP Science team as they conduct ecological surveys at key biodiversity sites and increase local understanding of mangrove ecology, conservation and restoration. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside the LEAP team’s Conservation officers in providing a baseline ecological assessment of the mangrove forests of the RAMSAR site, which will include both on-field and office-based work. As part of the surveying and monitoring programme of mangrove ecosystems, the candidate will be provided with training regarding all aspects of mangrove ecology (species diversity, growth rates, invasive-endemic vegetation species interactions, faunal community assessment, anthropogenic impact assessment etc.), mangrove survey techniques and methodologies, monitoring protocols, assessment and evaluation of potential restoration areas, as well as data entry and analysis. Furthermore, community engagement involving students from the local schools will also be included in the training and will entail educational and awareness activities (e.g., class presentations) regarding mangrove ecology and other relevant conservation subjects. On-the-job training will be provided on quadrat and transect based surveys, ground truthing methods, monitoring protocols, species identification and mangrove restoration techniques. Learn more here.