Cost and recognition

About Euro 135/week/person. Travel, visas, insurance, and personal expenses should be confirmed separately during planning.

Volunteers receive certificates and badges according to age, attendance, achievements, field contribution, and competency level. Impact Units are measurable and can be awarded to sending institutions.

Programme Overview

The International Volunteer Program welcomes global participants into practical mangrove conservation and community-based learning. It is designed for visitors who want a meaningful, affordable, and supervised field experience in Tanzania.

Purpose

To give international volunteers hands-on conservation exposure while supporting local restoration priorities and respectful cultural exchange.

Duties

• Assist with mangrove planting, nursery preparation, monitoring, and clean-up activities.
• Support awareness sessions, storytelling, field documentation, and basic activity reporting.
• Follow safety guidance, local protocols, and respectful community engagement standards.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Participants learn the basics of mangrove ecology, seed-to-carbon restoration, blue economy thinking, community-led conservation, cross-cultural communication, and responsible volunteering.

Expected Competencies and Skills Developed

Field discipline, intercultural communication, environmental awareness, teamwork, practical restoration skills, self-management, reflective learning, and sustainability communication.

Research Opportunities

Depending on duration and background, volunteers may assist with restoration monitoring, visual documentation, awareness material, community interviews, waste mapping, or blue economy case notes.

Deliverables

Volunteer activity log, supervisor sign-off, reflection note, field photos where permitted, contribution summary, certificate, badge, and Impact Unit record where linked to an institution.

Supervisor

Mikoko International Volunteer Coordinator, supported by field mentors and site supervisors.

Linked SDGs

SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 14 Life Below Water, SDG 15 Life on Land, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

Career Pathways

International development assistant, conservation volunteer leader, sustainability communicator, climate education assistant, marine conservation intern, or NGO programme assistant.

Why Tanzania?

Tanzania offers a rich coastal learning environment where volunteers can connect conservation action with community livelihoods, culture, and climate resilience.

Why Seed to Carbon?

Seed-to-carbon makes restoration understandable and measurable, from seed collection and nursery care to planting, survival monitoring, and long-term carbon value.

Why Blue Economy?

Blue economy learning helps volunteers see how healthy coastal ecosystems support jobs, food systems, adaptation, enterprise, and responsible growth.

Why Community-led Restoration?

Community-led restoration ensures that international participation supports local priorities instead of replacing local knowledge or ownership.

Placement Locations

• Dar es Salaam Headquarters: orientation, cultural briefing, and programme coordination.
• Tanga Coastal Restoration Sites: field restoration, community learning, and monitoring support.
• Mtwara Seed to Carbon Landscape: extended conservation learning and seed-to-carbon exposure.

Duration

Available for 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, or 3 months. Longer placements allow deeper community learning, stronger skill development, and richer deliverables.

Career Development

Volunteers gain field experience, supervisor feedback, and portfolio evidence for conservation, development, education, and sustainability pathways.

Competency Certificates

Competency certificates and digital badges are awarded according to age, attendance, achievements, field contribution, and assessed award level.

Alumni Network

Participants can join the Mikoko alumni network for references, future volunteering, peer learning, and conservation collaboration.

Supervision

Mikoko provides an International Volunteer Coordinator, field mentors, and site supervisors for orientation and daily guidance.

Safety

Safety briefings, local protocols, supervised activities, and emergency contact guidance are provided before and during placement.

Accommodation

Accommodation guidance can be provided based on placement location, duration, budget, and volunteer needs.

Daily Schedule

A typical day includes breakfast, field briefing, restoration activity, lunch, documentation, reflection, and evening cultural or learning time.