Live and learn in paradise
“Take a deep breath and stay below the surface”, they said. And, once you emerge, you will appreciate life more.
Pack a bag and embark on this volunteer journey to one of the last frontiers of the blue planet, with pristine clear waters that surround the islands. Conflict Islands is inhabited by an array of marine creatures; over 2000 species of fish including clown fish, trigger fish, unicorn fish, 12 or more species of sharks – my favorite's the whale shark, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, sea turtles anemones, hard and soft corals and so much more.
Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative opens a door to gain experience not only in the field of science but one that would make your jaw drop to indigenous cultures and the traditional way of life in typical Papua New Guinea coastal village setting.
I am excited, so you should be too. I am about to face my fears – fear of coming face to face or handling sharks. Many a times, my thoughts drift to movies like ‘Jaws’ or ‘Shallow’, I wake up gasping for air and realize its just a bad dream.
It’s never too late to venture into uncharted waters. This, my friend could be a choice of a lifetime to face your fears.
Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative’s Shark/Ray Volunteer Project is ideal for you or anyone with an interest in these endangered and misunderstood animals.
Join the initiative here in Papua New Guinea; helping to determine the
diversity and behavior of these iconic, yet vicious creatures.
There is so much that you will learn as a volunteer like assessing the factors that are putting sharks and rays under threat, from over fishing (shark fins) to population and habitat destruction.
Are you not intrigued? You should be, because the work you put in to collecting data will boost the aim of the project. The aim is to increase human understanding of the shark and ray population, dynamics and behavior, both locally and internationally; to strengthen local and international protections for these species and you will be contributing in raising awareness among the local island communities regarding the importance of sharks and rays.
You have a choice to make. One that would make a difference not in the world of marine biology but in the hearts of the local people.
To sign up, visit www.cici.net.au/volunteer or send an email to ‘volunteers@conflictislands.com’