Join GVI in Namibia and venture to ‘Damaraland’ in the Namib Desert. This tribal area runs parallel to the Skeleton Coast, and is home to a small population of desert elephants who need your help. Unfortunately competition for water and grazing land has brought them into conflict with the surrounding communities. Get hands on with this volunteer project as you help conduct research and compile observations about these wonderful elephants. As a volunteer on this project you will spend days roaming the desert on patrol, camping in the wild and keeping close to the elephants you are observing. With regard to community work, you will help build protective walls around windmills and water points, as well as educate subsistence farmers on managing their conflicts with the elephants.

How this program makes a difference:

A common point of conflict arises when desert elephants damage unprotected windmills, which happens often, and leaves entire communities without access to water. Because of this, the locals often see the elephants as a problem and frequently kill them. This problem can be solved for both the community and the elephants by simply building a wall around the windmill to protect it while still allowing the elephants to drink.

Highlights:

• Learn to cook over an open fire
• Aid in desert elephant conservation
• Work hands on with these great animals
• Sleep out under the African Stars

Please visit the GVI website for more information on this program:
http://www.gviusa.com/projects/Africa/Namibia/volunteer-desert-elephant-project-namibia/home