The Mgahinga Community Development Organisation (MCDO) are an organisation based at the foothills of the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes made famous by the magical Mountain Gorillas in the South-West region of Uganda. We are an organisation that has several projects going on in and around the rural town of Kisoro that lies near to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our aim is to protect the environment and to help develop the local communities in a sustainable way for the future generations.

We are beginning a research program in July 2009 in Mgahinga National Park. This is home to the mountain gorillas. It is situated in South West Uganda. Our research will focus on the Golden Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) that inhabit this area. We will be working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in which the research involves determining the status and ecology of the golden monkeys. Very little is known about this primate, it is endemic to the Virunga volcanoes and is an endangered species. The work is important to its survival and protection of its habitat.

We are currently looking for self-funded volunteers to assist us with this research. The work will involve collecting data, analysing the information and making reports. We are particularly looking for zoologists and botanists. Also people with particular skills and abilities to help us carry out this work. We accept volunteers for a minimum stay of one month. We are also looking for volunteers who wish to stay for longer, 3 months, 6 months and up to one year.

The park is also home to other mammals such as buffalo and wild cats. There is a large diversity of bird, reptile, insect and plant species. We have a campsite at the entrance to the park that will provide accommodation for volunteers. Volunteers have the choice to stay in our bandas or pitch their own tents. At the campsite we have a restaurant and bar. The campsite has basic washing and toilet facilities. There is no electricity at the moment so kerosene lamps are used. It can be a tough environment, being a rainforest and at altitude. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking and a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

Volunteers will live and work closely with the local communities and so gain an interesting insight into their way of life and culture.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Andy Gray via email at andygray@mcdoa.org