Velondriake Scholarship

The Velondriake Association and Blue Ventures realize the importance of educating the next generation of marine conservation scientists within Madagascar. To this end, Blue Ventures funds the Velondriake Scholarship Programme, which provides scholarships for up to 12 Malagasy undergraduate or graduate students each year to study at the Blue Ventures research station in the village of Andavadoaka. Students accepted into the program receive round trip travel from the city of Toliara to Andavadoaka, food and board for 6 weeks along with PADI accredited training to the level of Advanced Open Water Diver and substantial training in marine and fisheries research.

Scholars live and study alongside Malagasy and international researchers and conservation practitioners. Through this collaboration, scholars gain first- hand experience with the issues and driving forces behind marine conservation and management, both in Velondriake and in south-west Madagascar.

This scholarship is the first of its kind in Madagascar and is designed for students and young conservationists from across the country that seek hands-on experience working on community-centered marine conservation projects.