01/07/2026
Coco Conservation, Culture & Research Fellowship
Discover. Learn. Share. Inspire.
Welcome
At Coco Adventure Village, we believe that the greatest discoveries are often made by people who slow down, observe carefully and become part of the place they are exploring.
Situated on the beautiful Inhambane Estuary in Mozambique, Coco Adventure Village is far more than an ecotourism destination. It is a living partnership between nature, local communities and visitors from around the world.
Our vision is to create a place where people from different countries, cultures and professions can work together to protect nature, celebrate local traditions and inspire future generations.
Whether you are a scientist, student, educator, artist or skilled volunteer, you are invited to become part of that journey.
---
Our Mission
We strive to:
- Protect and celebrate the unique ecosystems of the Inhambane Estuary.
- Support and empower local communities through sustainable tourism and education.
- Encourage scientific research and lifelong learning.
- Preserve traditional Mozambican knowledge, culture and skills.
- Build lasting friendships across cultures.
- Inspire people to become ambassadors for conservation wherever they go.
---
Why Coco?
The Inhambane Estuary is one of Mozambique's hidden natural treasures.
Each changing tide reveals something new.
Over the years we have encountered remarkable marine life including seahorses, pipefish, frogfish, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs and countless other fascinating species. Our mangrove forests, tidal channels and shallow reefs provide exceptional opportunities for observation, research and conservation.
Yet we believe many discoveries still await.
Just as valuable is the knowledge held by our local community. Families have lived alongside these waters for generations, understanding the tides, seasons, wildlife and natural resources in ways that cannot be learned from books alone.
By bringing together science, traditional knowledge and practical experience, we hope to create a model where conservation benefits both nature and people.
---
Who Can Join?
We welcome people who are passionate about learning, sharing knowledge and making a positive contribution.
Our fellowship is open to:
- Marine biologists
- Conservationists
- Environmental scientists
- Ecologists
- Botanists
- Bird specialists
- Fisheries researchers
- University students
- Interns completing fieldwork
- Nature photographers and filmmakers
- Environmental educators
- Sustainable agriculture specialists
- Community development practitioners
- Eco-tourism students
- Writers, artists and storytellers
- Skilled volunteers from any profession who believe they can contribute
If your profession is not listed but you feel you can make a meaningful contribution, we would be delighted to hear from you.
---
Fellowship Opportunities
Every fellowship is designed around the interests, skills and experience of the participant.
Possible projects include:
- Marine and estuary biodiversity surveys.
- Species identification and monitoring.
- Mangrove conservation and restoration.
- Habitat mapping.
- Environmental education programmes.
- Training and mentoring local guides.
- Sustainable tourism development.
- Community conservation initiatives.
- Wildlife photography and documentary production.
- Educational resources and field guides.
- University research projects.
- Creative storytelling that promotes conservation.
- Developing practical solutions that improve community livelihoods while protecting nature.
We encourage every fellow to leave behind something that will continue to benefit the community long after their visit.
---
Learn from the Community
One of the most rewarding parts of the fellowship is learning from the people who have called the Inhambane Estuary home for generations.
Their knowledge forms an important part of the area's natural heritage.
Depending on your interests and the time available, you may experience or learn about:
- Traditional Mozambican cooking.
- Coconut harvesting and the many uses of the coconut palm.
- Traditional fishing techniques.
- Mangrove ecology through local knowledge.
- Weaving with makhuti (coconut leaves).
- Traditional music, dance and storytelling.
- Community farming and sustainable food production.
- Oyster mushroom cultivation.
- Giant African land snail farming.
- Environmental education with local children.
- Basic Portuguese or local language exchange.
- Leadership within community-based tourism.
- Traditional hospitality and welcoming guests.
- Small business development and entrepreneurship.
- Guiding visitors through authentic cultural and nature experiences.
We believe everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
The fellowship is built on the exchange of knowledge, where visitors share their own expertise while learning from the wisdom, experience and resilience of the local community.
---
What We Can Offer
We are a community-based initiative rather than a large research institution.
Although we cannot normally offer paid positions, we strive to provide an experience that is personally, professionally and culturally rewarding.
Depending on the project and availability, we may be able to provide:
- Comfortable accommodation.
- A welcoming and supportive community.
- Access to unique field locations.
- Opportunities to work alongside experienced local guides.
- Practical field experience.
- Support for independent research projects where possible.
- Opportunities to contribute to a growing conservation and community development initiative.
Each fellowship is planned individually to ensure that it benefits both the participant and the community.
---
Our Philosophy
We believe conservation begins with relationships.
Relationships between people and nature.
Between visitors and local communities.
Between science and traditional knowledge.
Between learning and sharing.
Between cultures.
Between today's actions and tomorrow's future.
We believe that protecting nature and strengthening communities are two parts of the same journey.
---
Join Our Journey
Whether you are a scientist, student, educator, photographer, filmmaker, artist, entrepreneur or simply someone with a passion for nature and people, we invite you to become part of our story.
Come and help us discover.
Come and help us protect.
Come and help us learn.
Come and help us inspire.
Leave your knowledge.
Take home unforgettable memories.
Build lifelong friendships.
Help create opportunities for a community.
Help protect one of Mozambique's most remarkable estuaries.
Come as guests. Leave as part of the story.
