The Gambia ranks 88th out of 127 countries on the global hunger index with locals earning just seventy pence per hour. The smallest country on mainland Africa is completely surrounded by Senegal with the country's borders stretching no more than 30 miles North and South of the Gambian River; which splits the country and is the source of much of its livelihood. Our aim is to help aid these issues by both promoting the ecotourism industry, providing in country jobs in the name of conserving the wildlife of The Gambia and protecting the species of the Gambia. The country is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa; the tourism industry is the second biggest earner with over 100 thousand holiday makers visiting every year (families, couples, individual travellers).
Our annual 2- week conservation programme immerses you in the nature and culture of The Gambia. Whether you are a budding conservationist wanting to gain experience, or an experienced professional, we can guarantee our conservation expeditions will have a lot to offer you!
You will play a crucial role in a variety of projects working to boost conservation and ecotourism including! -
Fishery elasmobranch surveys identifying and recording data
Sea turtle night surveys, with husbandry work and health checks at the first and only sea turtle head starting facility in The Gambia!
Sea turtle habitat suitability surveys along the coastal stretch of the remote Jinak Island
Marine mammal surveying for endangered species such as Atlantic humpback dolphin deep in the mangroves
Marine mammal medic training (2024 saw us set up the first Gambian marine stranding network)
You will work alongside our dedicated team of Gambian and British zoologists, ornithologists and conservationists, visiting numerous locations such as The Gambia Horse and Donkey trust and the Tropical Gallery Forest to observe the unique forest dwelling species the country has to offer. When joining our programme survey equipment will provided, most importantly you will need Antimalarials, the relevant vaccinations e.g. Rabies, sunscreen, water shoes. You can expect to really get to know our expert Gambian and English staff and their passions as we work and spend leisure evenings together with an enjoyable balance between work and play, social activities include night walks for unique nocturnal species, Djembe drumming lessons, dance lessons, beach bonfires, and much more as part of a big team!
After over two decades of important work we are still actively developing new wildlife conservation initiatives to build upon the relationships we have already developed with affiliate in country organisations and local communities. Our main projects during this years summer expedition will be focused on Endangered green turtles and Critically Endangered Atlantic humpback dolphins.
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