Introduction to Marine Conservation
Programme overview
Our volunteer program is all about getting involved, learning by doing, and becoming part of the Malapascua Island community.
You’ll start with a full induction week, meeting the team, understanding our mission, and getting trained across our core projects: marine conservation, fisheries, education, waste management, and community economic resilience. After that, you’ll be free to choose the areas you’re most passionate about, depending on your interests and the current needs of the team.
Short-term projects could include:
- Training the team on IT or digital tools
- Analyzing data to support conservation and education efforts
- Leading or supporting waste reduction initiatives
- Working with youth in schools or during community activities
You can join ongoing projects, or even start your own. Past volunteers have contributed to seagrass surveys, fish stock monitoring, youth environmental camps, sustainable tourism planning, and creative waste solutions like reusable diaper programs.
We love when people bring their own skills, whether it’s GIS, data analysis, design, social media, or fundraising, there’s always a way to make a difference.
This is more than just volunteering! It’s a chance to live close to the community, experience everyday island life, and walk away with new knowledge, friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose.
About the organisation
People and the Sea is a registered non-profit organization working to empower coastal communities in the Philippines to lead marine resource management. While our primary focus is on empowering communities to protect marine resources, our approach includes environmental education to instill ocean awareness, eco-entrepreneurship to promote sustainable livelihoods, waste reduction initiatives for cleaner environments, participatory management to engage local stakeholders, and responsible fishing practices to balance ecological health with community needs.
About the programme
Week 1 – Induction
Begin your journey on Malapascua Island, where you’ll get a full introduction to our conservation programs, meet the team, and understand the impact of our work. This first week is about getting familiar with our mission and being trained across all our core programs, from marine conservation, fisheries, education, waste management and economic resilience. It’s the perfect foundation to dive deeper into your experience with purpose and perspective.
Weeks 2+
Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative and become actively involved in a project of their choice, or even propose a new one! Whether you’re passionate about marine conservation, education, community work, or sustainability, there’s space for creativity and impact.
Here are some ongoing and past examples:
Marine Science & Fisheries
- Fish stock monitoring with our fisheries team using the KOBO database
- Identifying seasonal fish patterns and working towards sustainable fishing practices
- Crown -of-Thorns population management
- Boat anchoring impact assessment
- Seagrass and tourism impact surveys
Education & Youth Engagement
- Summer camps (July–August): always looking for fresh ideas and active volunteers
- Monthly environmental activities with children: snorkeling, mangrove exploration, waste management, seagrass, etc.
- Youth Club (ages 14–20): support young people leading their own initiatives
Community Resilience
- Homestay audits and improvement recommendations
- Supporting the COMSCA (community savings and loans) program
Waste & Sustainability
- Promoting the use of reusable diapers and napkins
- Education on sustainable habit and waste reduction
Bring Your Skills to the Team
We also highly value any skills you can share with the team:
- Excel, GIS, data management
- Social media & communication strategies
- Fundraising, design, and more
We’re always open to new ideas and passionate volunteers ready to co-create meaningful projects. If you have a vision, let’s make it happen together!
Location
Malapascua is a vibrant island located in the Visayas in the Philippines. The island is about 2.5 by 1 kilometre in size, making it easy to explore. Malapascua is quite populated, yet it remains a rural area with very limited infrastructure. There are no cars on the island, no medical centre, most homes are built with cheap materials, water and electricity are scarce. In Malapascua, the main language spoken is Cebuano, which is native to the Visayas region. Additionally, most people also speak Tagalog, the national language. Malapascua Island is a traveller’s paradise. There are many white sand beaches and restaurants serving every food imaginable. However, the island’s rapid tourism growth has led to environmental challenges but that is the reason we are here!
Live Local, Feel at Home
Whether joining as an intern or a volunteer, you’ll stay with a local host family on both islands through our Inato Homestay Program. This initiative was created to offer island families an alternative source of income by welcoming travelers and volunteers into their homes. It’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in Filipino culture: eat, sleep, and live the local way! Families love to share their traditions and daily life and are always happy to connect with the people they host. You’ll have your own private room, the family will provide towels and bed linen. It’s a warm, authentic experience that makes you feel at home from day one.
Visit our partner organisation Inato Homestay to learn more about accommodation options
Duration
4 to 6 weeks, departures all year round (no departure in December). Arrival on the 1st Saturday of each month.
Costs and pre-requisites
4 weeks (minimum duration): 1,110€
5 weeks: 1,365€
6 weeks: 1,620€
If you would like to stay longer, then you should be looking at our Community Conservation Internship program!
We do not have formal prerequisites, we welcome open-minded, adaptable individuals who are eager to learn, get involved, and share their skills. Whether you come from a background in science, education, communications, or simply bring curiosity and enthusiasm, you’ll find meaningful ways to contribute.
This expedition does not include diving.
What’s included
Included:
- Homestay accommodation in a local community family
- Breakfast and lunch every day worked, unlimited water, tea and coffee
- A People and the Sea t-shirt
- Full on-site logistical support
- Comprehensive support and advice for support at departure and during the mission
- The opportunity to work alongside our Filipino team, in the heart of a community working for marine conservation.
Not included:
- People and the Sea membership (15 euros)
- Travel to the Philippines and to/from Malapascua
- Visa fees
- Personal medical insurance
- Dinners on Malapascua and meals on off days
- Personal expenses
How to apply
To apply fill in the volunteer application form
