from 1,462€

Outstanding 5rating (7)

Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

location
8 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Hands-on underwater action for our endangered oceans and corals.
  • Learn in-depth ecology and functioning of coral reef ecosystems.
  • Help identify & rescue broken corals by planting them using unique Biorock technology.
  • Become a certified Ocean Quest Coral Propagator.
  • Become certified in a globally recognized coral reef health monitoring & research method.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Learn how to successfully restore damaged coral reefs using Biorock technology. Learn how to monitor and assess reef health using Reef Check methods.

We run marine volunteer internships throughout the year which start with our ‘zero to hero’ 4 week intensive workshop in marine restoration, we run 6 of these courses every year. This course combines knowledge, lectures, theory, dives, and practical Biorock reef building and maintenance through ...

About the program

We run marine volunteer internships throughout the year which start with our ‘zero to hero’ 4 week intensive workshop in marine restoration, we run 6 of these courses every year. This course combines knowledge, lectures, theory, dives, and practical Biorock reef building and maintenance through a 4 week course where you will gain:

  • Reef Check Eco Diver certification 
  • PADI Introduction to Biorock reef technology speciality 
  • Ocean Quest Coral Propagation certification

The first week of the course consists of detailed marine species identification and substrate identification in preparation for the Reef Check training and surveys. Reef Check is a scientific transect survey which is globally recognised globally

·         It gives a great insight into the functioning of a healthy coral reef ecosystem

·         Extensive identification training dives,

·         At least two surveys on the reefs around Gilis that we’ve been monitoring for over a decade.

·         Get a Reef Check eco pack incl. dry bag, Tshirt, USB key, underwater slates

 

 

The second week is the start of the course Introduction to Biorock technology. A unique solution to restoring damaged coral reefs.

·         Learn the science behind electric reefs

·         Learn why it’s more efficient than other forms of reef restoration on the Gilis

·         Work with the team of divers to learn how to maintain, set up and work on a Biorock

·         Transplant broken fragments of corals from damaged reefs

·         Spot and mitigate the problem with coral predators

·         Get a Coral Gardener T-shirt

Throughout the 2 week course, you will dive twice a day every day (apart from Sunday – which is a day off to explore the island) and then have a lecture, or theory or Biorock maintenance in the afternoons. This is roughly from 8am - 4:30pm each day with a break for lunch.

 

The third week is all about orientation. We’ll introduce you to all of the Gili Eco Trust projects and how you’ll integrate your energy and time into each of them and schedule your volunteering time.

·         Meet the team

·         RE-cycle tour

·         Biorock Eco Snorkel tour

·         Debris Free Friday waste training

·         Waste Processing & Management training

·         Biorock checks & Maintenance

·         Long-term environmental surveying training

 

The fourth week is all about applying these methods in practice and completing the Ocean Quest Coral Propagation and monitoring course. With this training, you’ll be able to continue monitoring our nurseries that have been established since 2018.

·         Coral ecology and reproduction training

·         Coral propagation methodology

·         Nursery maintenance 

·         Nursery monitoring project (via SCUBA and snorkelling) 

 

When you've completed the training, you'll be fully immersed in many of the projects that we have been running long-term. It brings great experience in how small tropical islands are managed (and indeed mismanaged!) whilst observing the cultural differences and promoting eco-tourism.



Typical day

Starting with the first 2-week dive training:


8:30 dive set up
9:00 dive to the Biorocks
10:30 coffee break
11:00 dive to the Biorocks
1pm lunch
2pm theory/maintenance/repairs
4pm finish

And after the training course is complete you will be participating and conducting in any number of the activities below ...

Typical day

Starting with the first 2-week dive training:


8:30 dive set up
9:00 dive to the Biorocks
10:30 coffee break
11:00 dive to the Biorocks
1pm lunch
2pm theory/maintenance/repairs
4pm finish

And after the training course is complete you will be participating and conducting in any number of the activities below (season dependant)

Monthly Reef check dives
Daily Biorock snorkel tours with tourists
Biorock maintenance and cable rewiring on land
Biorock weekly snorkel checks
Coral Nursery maintenance and monitoring
Biorock maintenance dives and repairs
Research assistant to marine researchers
MPA and surface buoy management and monitoring
Anchor survey counts on the beach
Turtle nest watch (April - September only)
Weekly beach clean at Debris Free Friday


Free-time activities

Whilst Gili Trawangan is being fast recognized as the party central of Indonesia, there are plenty of free time activities to be getting on with that doesn't involve alcohol. 


  • Yoga
  • Freediving
  • Golf & Virtual golf
  • Gym & fitness
  • Eco paddleboard safaris
  • horse riding
  • Snorkelling 
  • Swimming
  • Eco movie nights
  • Sunsets

Free-time activities

Whilst Gili Trawangan is being fast recognized as the party central of Indonesia, there are plenty of free time activities to be getting on with that doesn't involve alcohol. 


  • Yoga
  • Freediving
  • Golf & Virtual golf
  • Gym & fitness
  • Eco paddleboard safaris
  • horse riding
  • Snorkelling 
  • Swimming
  • Eco movie nights
  • Sunsets
  • Volcano hikes
  • Boat tours
  • Lombok waterfall excursions
  • Paddleboarding
  • Water sports


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

REQUIRED BEFORE YOU START THE TRAINING PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) - you can complete this at the same dive shop if you arrive a week in advance. ** Additional charges apply** - We recommend having 20 scuba dives logged to ensure you have good buoyancy and skills underwater

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:30 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Gili Eco Trust

Prices can vary due to the exchange rate. 
15% Deposit to secure your place via Volunteer World. 

Remaining to be paid on-site in local currency Indonesian Rupiah: 19,500,000IDR (cash/PayPal/CC/Wise)

Included:

  • 2 dives every day for Weeks 1 & 2 (apart from Sunday – which is a day off to explore the island)
  • All scuba diving equipment (excluding dive computer)
  • Biorock maintenance and theory in the afternoons
  • All reading materials
  • Reef Check eco pack incl. dry bag, Tshirt, USB key, underwater slates
  • Protective equipment for underwater gardening
  • Applicable underwater experiences such as coral gardening, removal of coral predators and underwater clean-ups
  • PADI Distinctive speciality: Introduction to Biorock Process
  • REEF CHECK Eco Diver certification
  • Ocean Quest Coral Propagation certification (plus 4 additional training dives in Week 4)



Divers MUST be a minimum Padi Advanced with at least 20 dives. This is to ensure you have sufficient buoyancy skills as we are working very close to the reef and picking up heavy corals, unlike regular recreational diving. However, if you are not yet certified, no problem! You can arrive on site a little earlier to complete your PADI dive training. (additional fees for SCUBA certifications apply)

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Lombok International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Accommodation

Please arrange your own accommodation.

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Praya. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Start dates for 2024 and 2025:
  • 7th of October 
  • 11th of November
  • 3rd of February 2025 
  • 10th of March 2025
  • 14th of April 2025
  • 19th May 2025 
  • 23rd of June 2025
  • 6th of October 2025
  • 10th of November 2025


Our start date for the Intro-training is always a Monday, but it is nice to arrive a few days early to get used to the island, enjoy some free time and find somewhere to stay. We have many recommendations of places to stay to suit almost any budget.
We will send you a 'Before Arrival' guide when you sign up, followed by a 'Welcome Pack' closer to arrival to guide you through what to expect, what to bring, how to obtain visas and transport to the island.
We are located on the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok so arrival by flight to Lombok (LOP) is easy and we can help to arrange transfers across to the island.
Bali is a short 2 hour boat ride away, with a larger international airport, Denpasar Airport (DPS) we can provide advice and assistance to you all the way from the airport.

We do not accept new volunteers after the November start date.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

8 weeks (min. stay) 1,462€
9 weeks 1,657€
10 weeks 1,852€
11 weeks 2,047€
13 weeks 2,242€
15 weeks 2,437€
24 weeks (max. stay) 4,386€
Average fees 182€/week

Program fees

182€ per week 8 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

8 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Gili Eco Trust during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Gili Eco Trust

Outstanding 5 rating (7 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Delphine

Spoken languages: French, Indonesian, English

About the project

To restore all coral reefs around the Gili Islands using Biorock technology, monitoring health and diversity using Reef Check method for long term conservation

Meet your organization

Originally established in 2002 to protect the Gili Matra marine reserve from destructive fishing practices, the Gili Eco Trust has grown and expanded its activities from marine conservation to waste management, sustainable eco tourism and animal welfare.

From 2004, Gili Eco Trust started the Biorock project, creating artificial reefs and restoring the natural habitat of thousands of fish in previously destroyed areas of reef. Now, we also supervise responsible waste management on Gili Trawangan of more than 500 businesses from daily collection to processing recyclable materials and transporting them off the island.
Alongside these huge campaigns, there is a lot going on with smaller environmental projects , such as working horse healthcare clinics since 2009 and educational workshops and lessons in school for kids, tourists and hospitality staff.
Mission
Our mission is to create a sustainable island. To promote ecotourism and provide a healthy environment for working animals. To restore our coral reefs and to replenish our natural fish populations. To ensure that all waste created on Gili T is reduced to minimum levels and managed and separated properly for recycling projects where materials can be transported off the island.

Goals

Restore and protect the coral reefs around the Gili islands by building more Biorock structures, installing moorings to prevent further anchor damage and provide education and marine workshops to successfully transplant juvenile corals back to damaged reefs.
Prevent and manage waste and rubbish on Gili Trawangan by recycling and educating both locals and tourists. (Get ready for our GETWasted event 2019 for ALL Gili businesses)
Clean up Gili Trawangan by organizing weekly beach clean-ups every single Friday 5-6pm at a different location.
Reducing the amount of plastic on the island by motivating businesses to provide water refill stations and get locals and tourists to stop buying bottled water,.and encouraging the ban of plastic bags and single use items such as straws and takeout containers.

7 reviews · rating5

Albane PM rating5

2019 at Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

Amazing 2 weeks course dispensed by Delphine who is so passionate and fascinating. 1st week we learned how to identify differents corals, substrates, invertebrates and fishes that live under the sea in this area, and how to respect them with reef gardening. 2nd week we learned about biorock and how ...
Alice Durreau rating5

2019 at Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

2 dives every day plus a class to learn about biorock and reef check. It's very interesting we learn a lot and we also dive a lot. It was an amazing course. It took place in gili trawangan when the biodibersity is really different of the one in France so we could discover new species learn to ...
Claudia Tan rating5

2019 at Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

Spent 2 months volunteering with Gili Eco Trust, dipping my toes in their assortment of green projects — reef restoration, waste management, animal clinics, ecotourism tours and even triathlon planning. The work they do is really great and you can see the effects all around the island: thriving ...
Claudia Tan rating5

2019 at Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

Spent 2 months volunteering with Gili Eco Trust, dipping my toes in their assortment of green projects — reef restoration, waste management, animal clinics, ecotourism tours and even triathlon planning. The work they do is really great and you can see the effects all around the island: thriving ...
Alexandre Baffou rating5

2019 at Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

First week was dedicated to learn about reef checking (fish, substrates, inverts, corals identification) and second one for Biorock. Vert good mix between practise and theory ...
Pilar Ferrer rating5

2017 at Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

A day in the life volunteering with Gili Eco trust is never boring. Everyday no matter what there is always a chance of learning and experience something new from waste management, sustainable tourism, educational activities to Coral reef restoration programmes. The variety of activities that Gili ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Gili Trawangan

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Contact Delphine
  Excellent response rate
French, Indonesian, English

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