Become Involved

Eco-volunteers participate in research conducting observation of rare animals, exploring the islands and meeting with local people.

Check out the EXPEDITION PROGRAM 2008-2009

ECoSwiss accesses the various islands of the archipelago by the 40 feet Sea Nomad Catamaran. Eco-volunteers participate in the Hornbill research and other activities; these can range from field research as a scientific assistant to on-board crew activities. We host various scientists on our expeditions including botanists, marine biologists, ornithologists, enthomologists, ethnologists or historians. Usually activities begin early morning, as this is the best time for wildlife observations. During the day volunteers have enough time for reading, relaxing, bathing and snorkeling.

Eco-volunteer observations are a valuable contribution to the inventory of the archipelago. Although volunteers don't necessarily need any experience in the field of ecology, the different skills and knowledge they bring to the project are greatly appreciated. Eco-volunteers should have a moderate level of fitness and have an aptitude for tropical climates and sailing.

ECoSwiss' Sea Nomad catamaran sailing in the archipelago

EXPEDITION PROGRAM for the season 2008-2009

MABR (Mergui Archipelago Biodiversity Research) Expedition Program*
Nov 2008 – May 2009
Participation dates and prices

*dates, length of Cruise, prices are still tentative and may vary and will be confirmed upon application or when a red CONFIRMED sign appears after the Title. A blue COMPLETE sign will mark Cruises where no guest space is available or boat is full.

Official language on board is English;
Italian, German, French, Greek, Burmese, Thai and more are also spoken by part of the crew, but you should be at least a little conversant in English.

We welcome Students and Researchers who will conduct their own studies. Above or under water.
There are incredible possibilities as long as they are not destructive (like collecting live or dead animals, plants, corals, shells etc.).
Please let us know your particular interests.

Prices include all taxes, VISA on arrival, (E 500 for 10 days) , food, drinks, crew, transportation from and to Ranong, Thailand

VISA on arrival!
You do not need to apply for a VISA for Burma!
We need your Passport details (scan of photo page) when you book and VISA on arrival will be ready for you! This Visa allows you to sail with us and stay up to 4 weeks in the southern area. It does not allow you at present to travel north to Yangon etc.

Participation:
Coming onboard as a Guest allows you to be independent on board and have time to yourself or participate in research or boating activities if and when you please.
Joining as an Ecovolunteer means that you will be considered almost part of the crew, follow our Biologist into the jungle (sometimes at night or early morning), help with observations, participate in boat handling, maintenance etc. if and when needed.
You will still have ample time for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing.

Your contributions, apart of helping us pay for Burmese fees, boat use and maintenance allows us to invite Burmese scientists to participate in our Cruises.

Our min crew of 4 (Skipper, crew, cook, biologist) allows us to have a max of 6 guests, but often we may have up to 3 or 4 visiting scientists, so free berths onboard are limited! Book early, especially if you are not alone!

1st Expedition (MABR - Mangroves) CONFIRMED
Nov 11 to Nov 21, 10 days

Focus: Lampi East Coast, Mangroves and Sea Grasses

Participants: 1 International scientist, 2 local scientists, 1 ecovolunteer

2nd Expedition (MABR/OIKOS-BANCA) CONFIRMED
Nov 27 to Dec 3, 7 days

A fact-finding expedition on all possible aspects of our Island work, we shall be joined by our colleagues of OIKOS (Italy) and BANCA (Burma) to elaborate future action plans.

3rd Expedition: Charter X-mas Cruise COMPLETE
Dec 21 – 31, 10 days

Fundraising holiday Cruise.
Leisurely sailing, beach-time, sunning and snorkeling
Guests only

4th Expedition (MABR- EU - NORTH MERGUI) COMPLETE
Jan 20 – 29, 9 days

Focus: Mergui Archipelago Northern Islands

Participants: 3 Oikos scientists, 3 BANCA scientists

Further expeditions will be planned later on if funding become available.

Possible dates: 16-26 February, 2-12 March, 16-26 March, 30 March- 9 April

Want to make a donation?

Quotes from volunteers

Alexandra Krause, Brazil. March 2007

'And the fish was there. I watched it paralized in its beauty, as I turned my whole perception of life - beauty, nature, my role in it. And I was so grateful for the opportunity of being exposed to this simple fish - though blue - and be able to re-evaluate things that I had for granted - wildife conservation, the urgency of protecting these places of pristine beauty. There is always more an individual can do to protect nature - and the fish, in its calm, placid beauty, reminded me of that'.

Bodhi Garrett, USA. March 2007

'On my last morning in the Mergui, I awoke knowing that I would miss these Islands, that I would yearn to come back, to learn more about this place. Bringing my attention to the present, I dove into the clear blue water and swam to the nearest island. Walking along the beach, I wondered if my time here had made a difference, what it was that I could learn. As the sandy beach turned into rocky shore, an oblong white object caught my eye. Picking it up, I realized it was a dolphin skull in almost perfect condition. I vividly remembered the dolphins from day before, how, as they swam near our boat, one had turned sideways and looked me in the eye.

There is still untouched natural beauty to be found and enjoyed in the world, but wherever it is, it is likely under threat. For those of us that love nature, who take solace in the embrace of the forest, the desert, or the sea, it is no longer enough just to observe. It is of vital importance to the health of the planet that we come to these places in service, to try and give a little more than we take. The dolphin skull that now sits on my porch is a constant reminder.'

Download Bodhi's full account of the expedition here (PDF). Bodhi is the director of the North Andaman Tsunami Relief organization (NATR) based in Kura Buri, Thailand - check NATR website here.

Top of page

Home Page

Created by Felicity Mccullum and Andrea Bonetti. Web-template adapted from Nicolas Fafchamps