Indopacific Scholarship

Each year, Blue Ventures awards a number of scholarships to university students in one of our host nations, training them in SCUBA diving, marine science and conservation research.

To help increase capacity to effectively manage coastal areas in our host nations, Blue Ventures runs a scholarship programme that brings university students and recent graduates to its project site of Andavadoaka, Madagascar.

For six weeks, the students attend in-depth classes in SCUBA diving, marine science and research methods. Students also learn about local ecosystem types and the importance of keeping marine resources healthy and productive.

The scholarships are amongst the first of their kind in the country, and are designed to give students and young conservationists hands-on experience working on community-centred marine conservation projects.

A trip with BV is not just diving expedition. It is opportunity for you to futher your understanding of yourself and the world around you by helping and engaging with others.

RALAZAMPIRENENA Claude Jacquot (Exp 70, May 2012)

Madagascar

Most conservation studies in Madagascar concentrate on terrestrial species, therefore the Indian Ocean Marine Scholarship Programme is an important and much needed educational tool that contributes to Madagascar’s ability to protect its marine resources. Past participants in the programme have gone on to work for national and international conservation groups operating in the country.

Students accepted into the programme receive round-trip travel from the city of Tulear to Andavadoaka, six weeks of food and lodging, free use of SCUBA and snorkelling equipment and daily lessons in marine research techniques, species identification, diving and conservation planning.

• Find out more about the Madagascar Scholarship Programme and how to apply.

Testimonials

We have collected a sample of the testimonials of some of our Indian Ocean Scholars to give an idea of the positive impact a Blue Ventures scholarship has.

Please click on 'read more' under each name to find out their story.