• Volunteer vacations allow you to globetrot while helping save a small piece of the world.globe terrestre image by Nicolas D from Fotolia.com
  
  You'll return from your trip with much more than some photos, a few souvenirs and a tan when you participate in a volunteer vacation. If you want to do good work in an exotic locale, investigate some of the volunteer opportunities in Madagascar. Depending on your skills, interests and available vacation time you might help house the homeless, protect wildlife habitats or aid in preserving marine environments.
  
  

Azafady

• Although roughly equal in size to the U.S. state of California, thanks to its isolation throughout a period of roughly 80 million years, Madagascar boasts unparalleled biodiversity. The island nation in the Indian Ocean is home to 5 percent of the Earth's species of flora and fauna, 75 percent of which originate solely on Madagascar. Unfortunately, in recent years, slash-and-burn agriculture has diminished the forest habitats of many unique species. The British nonprofit organization Azafady, in coordination with the government of Madagascar and grassroots organizations there, studies lemurs in order to support the continuation of this species in the wild. Volunteers may participate in lemur observation projects during the course of two-week vacation programs offered by Azafady.
  
  Azafady
  
  Studio 7
  
  1a Beethoven St.
  
  London W10 4LG
  
  United Kingdom
  
  44-20-8960-6629
  
  www.madagascar.co.uk
  
  

Blue Ventures

• Off the southwest coast of Madagascar lies the Grand Récif de Tuléar, fourth-largest coral reef in the world. Blue Ventures, a British marine conservation organization, has established a research facility just south of that reef. Volunteer participants sign up for a six-week cycle of aiding researchers while housed in eco-cabins overlooking a blue lagoon and white sand beaches. Scientific and scuba training may be provided to enable volunteers to better aid researchers.
  
  Blue Ventures
  
  AH309 A/B
  
  Aberdeen Centre
  
  22-24 Highbury Grove
  
  London N5 2EA
  
  United Kingdom
  
  44-20-7359-1287
  
  www.blueventures.org
  
  

Habitat for Humanity

• Madagascar has received unusually severe tropical cyclones with accompanying torrential rains in the past decade, leaving many residents homeless. Habitat for Humanity volunteers do not need any previous construction experience, just a willingness to pitch in and help. In Madagascar, native building techniques incorporating clay bricks and windows and doors made from eucalyptus are used to build new homes for families. A two-week program includes housing and meals, as well as opportunities to experience the culture of the community, such as excursions to local markets.
  
  International Volunteer Program
  
  Habitat for Humanity International
  
  121 Habitat St.
  
  Americus, GA 31709-3498
  
  800-422-4828
  
  www.habitat.org