If you are a film and television buff like me, then you will understand that the decision to spend 9 months out in Madagascar with an NGO called Reef Doctor was not one that I merely wanted to do for the experience of spending 9 months somewhere nice and hot (though that certainly may have been an incentive). For as much as I can recite the majority of the Lord of the Rings films, with a little help from Adam & Cameron, my heart truly lies in conservation and the protection of species that are most at risk from the impacts of humans.
This is no more apparent than in marine habitats, especially coral reefs which are struggling to cope with attacks from all angles whether they be climate change, over fishing or high quantities of tourists.
Coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of the worlds oceans surface yet they are able to support and provide home for 25% of all known marine species. This alone is a phenomenal statistic for an ecosystem. It is why I am so shocked about the fact that so many reef systems are near collapsing or already have done due to the impacts caused by humans.
And so I have been lead to Reef Doctor. The organisation was recommended to me by one of my lecturers and I couldn't pass on the chance to fulfill my goal of becoming a marine conservationist. With less than three weeks before I leave for Madagascar I thought I would post a prelude to this blog to hopefully introduce future readers to what it will be about. If you are just looking at it long after it was originally created I hope I have managed to stick to my aim of what I wanted it to be.
My hope is that I have been able to show the work that goes into protecting a reef system such as the ones found in the bay of Ranobe in Ifaty. I want to be able to do this in a way that brings across the enjoyment of such a career for any future conservationists, while at the same time giving readers an idea of the efforts such an NGO have to go through to help preserve such a unique ecosystem. Of course, in time, things on this blog may change. I have very little experience in marine conservation and so I hope to pass on my thoughts and opinions about what I learn within this fantastic organisation.
So the bag is packed, the kit lists are ticked off and, though I have still yet to see my visa application completed, I am already starting to miss Greggs bakery..
Bring it on Madagascar!
