Useful information for volunteers
If you’re here, it’s because you want to make a difference and contribute to the preservation of this unique island. Your effort is essential, but to ensure that your experience – and everyone’s – is safe and positive, it’s crucial to follow some guidelines.
Maio Island has a delicate ecosystem and a welcoming community that deserves respect. Therefore, we have established guidelines for you to visit, work, and stay on the island safely, while protecting its nature and culture. Before you begin this journey, get to know the rules that make this program sustainable for everyone.
Passport
To enter Cape Verde, a valid passport is required, with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry.
Visa
If staying for less than a month in Cape Verde, you can obtain the visa upon arrival at the airport (25€ to 45€). For longer stays, request the visa at the embassy of your country before traveling. Don't forget to register on the website www.ease.gov.cv and avoid renewing the visa on Maio, as it is bureaucratic and expensive.
Insurance
Travel/health insurance is mandatory and must cover medical emergencies. Consider additional insurance for valuable items and pack essential clothing in your carry-on, as luggage may not be delivered on the same flight.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Cape Verde, except if coming from areas with yellow fever cases. Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations and bring enough medication, as some may be hard to find locally.
Protection
Bring sunscreen, mosquito net, repellent, and cream for mosquito bites.
Contact lenses
The island is windy, sandy, and dusty. If you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to bring disposable lenses and protective glasses, especially if working on the beaches.
Hygiene products
Personal care products such as shampoos, razors, lotions, sunscreens and other items can be found on the island, but are generally more expensive and of lower quality.
Water
Tap water is safe, but it should be avoided on short stays and consumed with caution after one or two weeks on long stays. Prefer bottled water and avoid drinks with ice.
After receiving the form, we will contact you to explain our volunteer program in more detail and send the necessary documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Surveillance of human activities (legal and illegal) within the Protected Areas (PAs), and support for the authorities in maritime and land inspections;
2) Rehabilitation of support, guidance and access infrastructures within the PAs;
3) Monitoring the status and evolution of species that are bioindicators of the effectiveness of PA management;
4) Sensitising and involving the local population in preserving and safeguarding PAs.
5) Restoring degraded ecosystems and traditional monuments
Actions include the removal of the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora in sensitive protected areas, the transplanting of native and endemic plants for reforestation and the creation of green spaces, and cultural and environmental valorisation with panels and art about emblematic species. In addition, there is the sustainable management of community nurseries to produce seedlings and the promotion of controlled grazing as an alternative to free grazing. Finally, the initiatives also cover the preservation of historical heritage, such as the restoration of centuries-old wells.
- Error: empty slot
Supervision of the protected areas is limited due to the low frequency of monitoring and scarcity of resources. The lack of resources makes it difficult to combat the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora and the monitoring and restoration of ecosystems is hampered by insufficient staff (only three technicians and a coordinator for more than 7,520 hectares). In addition, the restoration process is slow due to the arid climate, with frequent droughts and little rainfall.
-
Seasonal wages directly for more than 25 families per year;
-
Increase in green spaces and forage fields in villages;
-
Improvement of food in schools through community gardens;
-
Training of herders/farmers/youth in more sustainable agricultural techniques and livestock management, resilient to the island's arid climate conditions;
-
Promotion of tourist circulation in the protected areas within and around the community (contributing to the retention of tourist revenue in the communities).
-
- Error: empty slot
Our volunteers are essential.
Biodiversity
In the conservation of endangered species, monitoring of female turtles during nesting, data collection, beach patrols, production of native and endemic plants, and ecosystem restoration in protected areas.
Education and Awareness
With the children of the communities, increasing knowledge and awareness about environmental conservation.
Local economy
Increase in economic capacity, in the host families of the Homestay, and local commerce, through the tasting of typical products
Cultural appreciation
The contact between volunteers and communities has increased the recognition and appreciation of local traditions and culture, fostering an environment of respect and preserving local identity.
Come discover the authentic beauty and people of Maio Island, and be part of something bigger.
Here, every action matters. Join us and be part of the change you wish to see in the world.
Welcome to this incredible journey!
By taking this step into volunteering on Maio Island, you’re already part of our team — a community united by the purpose of protecting biodiversity and empowering local communities.
Your contribution makes a difference, and together we’ll create a positive and lasting impact. We can’t wait to welcome you and share this experience with you!
Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities
Being a volunteer is a commitment to respect, responsibility, and positive impact.
Adapting, acting ethically, and following the rules are essential to building trust and leaving a lasting legacy in the community.
Preparation
Get ready for a transformative journey! Develop personally and professionally to embrace this commitment with full dedication, living the overseas experience for the established period.
Joint Learning
Make a difference in people's lives!
Share your skills, stay open to learning, and adapt with humility to truly contribute to a stronger and more resilient community.
Relationships
True impact comes from trust! Integrate into the community that welcomes you, respect its customs, and build authentic relationships to leave a lasting legacy.
Behavior
Be an example every day! Your behavior reflects the values of volunteering, so act with responsibility, ethics, and respect in all situations, both inside and outside of work.
Responsibility
Honor your commitment! Follow the FMB rules and respect local laws, demonstrating integrity and respect for the country that welcomes you.
Diversity
Celebrate diversity and cultivate respect! Maintain an open and welcoming attitude, valuing different cultures, people, and perspectives without imposing personal beliefs.
