TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

– Lemuria Bay (Project under establishment)**

Version: 2025 – Valid until formal registration of Lemuria Bay association

1. Scope and Contracting Party

1.1 These Terms & Conditions govern participation in the volunteer programme (“Programme”) described on this website.
1.2 The Programme is currently organised by:

Veit Jürgens
Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Str. 11
10407 Berlin
Germany
E-Mail: info@lemuriabay.org

1.3 The non-profit association “Lemuria Bay” is in the process of formation and is not yet legally registered.
Until registration, all contractual relationships are concluded solely between the participant and Veit Jürgens as a private organiser.

1.4 After registration of the association, these Terms & Conditions may be transferred to the association and participants will be informed accordingly.

2. Programme Description

2.1 The Programme includes activities related to environmental conservation, permaculture, community support and/or species protection in Madagascar.

2.2 The exact scope of services (accommodation, meals, training, local transport, etc.) is listed in the individual programme description provided before booking.

2.3 The Programme does not constitute a package tour, travel service or commercial tourism product. Participants take part on their own responsibility, and the organiser provides local coordination and support only.

3. Payments & Participation Fees

3.1 Participation fees (“Programme Fees”) must be paid as specified in the booking confirmation.

3.2 Programme Fees are not donations and are not tax-deductible. They are fees for services related to accommodation, meals, coordination and project support.

3.3 Until the association is registered, all Programme Fees are held treuhänderisch (in trust) by Veit Jürgens and used exclusively for project-related purposes in Madagascar.

3.4 A place in the Programme is only reserved once the full payment or the agreed deposit has been received.

4. Cancellation Policy

4.1 Participants may cancel the Programme at any time by written notification (email sufficient).

4.2 The following cancellation fees apply:

  • Up to 60 days before arrival: refund of 100%
  • 59–30 days before arrival: refund of 60%
  • 29–15 days before arrival: refund of 20%
  • 14 days or less: no refund

4.3 If the participant does not arrive or leaves early, no refund will be granted.

4.4 In cases of illness (with medical certificate), an alternative date may be offered where possible – no guarantee.

4.5 If the Programme is cancelled by the organiser (e.g., safety concerns, force majeure), participants receive a full refund of all Programme Fees already paid. No further claims (e.g., flights, insurance, damages) can be made.

5. Participant Requirements

5.1 Participants must be at least 18 years old (unless otherwise agreed and accompanied by guardians).

5.2 Participants confirm that they are physically and mentally capable of participating in fieldwork, which may include:

  • uneven terrain
  • tropical climate
  • long walking distances
  • remote locations

5.3 The organiser may require information on allergies, medical conditions or dietary restrictions to ensure participant safety.

5.4 The organiser may reject participation if safety cannot be guaranteed.

6. Travel & Insurance Responsibility

6.1 Travel to and from Madagascar is not included in the Programme and is the participant’s sole responsibility.

6.2 Participants are required to obtain appropriate insurance:

  • international health insurance
  • accident insurance
  • travel insurance (recommended)
  • evacuation/medical transport insurance (recommended)

6.3 Participants must comply with the entry requirements for Madagascar, including visas.

7. Code of Conduct

Participants agree to:

  • respect local culture and community norms
  • follow instructions from local coordinators
  • refrain from illegal activities
  • avoid environmental harm
  • not consume drugs or excessive alcohol
  • behave respectfully toward other volunteers and staff

Violations may result in immediate removal from the Programme without refund.

8. Wildlife Protection Rules (Lemurs, Turtles, etc.)

Participants understand and agree:

  • No direct contact with wildlife (no touching, feeding, holding, posing for photos)
  • No interference with animals, nests, hatchlings or habitats
  • All conservation activities follow CITES, IUCN and local Malagasy guidelines
  • Wildlife monitoring is purely observational
  • Research-related handling is conducted only by qualified biologists, not volunteers

Violations may result in removal from the Programme without refund due to legal and ethical obligations.

9. Liability

9.1 The organiser is liable only for damages resulting from intentional or grossly negligent conduct.

9.2 Liability for ordinary negligence is excluded except for injury to life, body or health.

9.3 The organiser is not liable for:

  • lost or damaged personal property
  • illness or accidents outside the organiser’s control
  • delays, strikes, political unrest or natural disasters
  • flight cancellations, missed connections or travel disruptions

9.4 Madagascar is a developing country with limited infrastructure. Participants join the Programme at their own risk.

10. Data Protection

10.1 Personal data is processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

10.2 Participants agree to the use of necessary data for Programme organisation and coordination with partners in Madagascar.

10.3 Sensitive health data is processed only with explicit consent and solely for participant safety.

11. Photography & Media

Participants may be photographed or filmed during the Programme.

These materials may be used for:

  • documentation
  • educational content
  • website or social media
  • fundraising materials (non-profit context)

Participants may revoke consent at any time for future use.

12. Force Majeure

Events beyond the control of the organiser (e.g., natural disasters, epidemics, political unrest, extreme weather, border closures) may require:

  • programme changes
  • postponements
  • cancellations

In such cases, refunds are limited to Programme Fees already paid.

13. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.

14. Severability Clause

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain unaffected.

15. Agreement

By booking a place in the Volunteer Programme, the participant confirms that they:

  • have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
  • accept them as binding
  • acknowledge the organisational status (private project until association registration)
  • consent to the treuhänderische fund management