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oin an exploration mission in search of Sulawesi’s archaeological treasures. See all scientific expeditions here
Studying an exceptional archaeological heritage
In the heart of Wallacea, the karst massifs of northern Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara) form one of the most remarkable natural areas on the island of Sulawesi.
An exceptional territory
- Four major areas: the Mekongga, Tangkelemboke and Matarombeo massifs, and the Sombori archipelago
- The largest primary forest in Sulawesi, covering nearly 14,000 km²
- Exceptional biodiversity, with a high rate of endemism
- A major archaeological heritage, still largely unknown
- A natural water tower: these massifs feed the region’s main watersheds, store water and regulate flooding
What the latest expeditions have revealed
The Wallacea Expeditions have documented:
- More than 1,800 species, many of them threatened, protected or potentially new to science
- Nearly 120 archaeological sites
Growing threats
These ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them, are now under pressure from:
- the expansion of nickel mining
- deforestation
- oil palm monocultures
- pollution
Towards a 6,000 km² protected area
- Data gathered during the first expeditions has made it possible to draw up an initial proposal for a 6,000 km² protected area.
- The discovery of new archaeological sites is now a key lever for gaining recognition of the heritage value of these landscapes and strengthening the case for their protection.
Your role as an eco-volunteer
1. Explore the primary forest
- Survey the terrain methodically, deep in the primary forest
- Explore caves and search every nook and cranny
- Look for archaeological remains: ancient ceramics, rock paintings…
- Help advance science: every discovery will be mapped so that researchers from the University of Kendari can continue their work on site
2. Handle the mission logistics
- Open trails to hard-to-reach areas
- Set up camp so that it is comfortable, functional and as environmentally friendly as possible:
- drinking water management
- electricity generation
- cooking
- latrines
3. Optional: create artistic or audiovisual content
Comfortable with video, photography, illustration or content creation? Put your talents to work for the mission:
- Keep a logbook of the expedition
- Capture the beauty of the landscapes
- Raise public awareness and showcase Naturevolution Indonesia’s work to preserve these ecosystems
|
Departure from Kendari |
Back to Kendari |
Duration |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
7 May 2027 |
28 May 2027 |
2 weeks |
€1,890 |
|
12 July 2027 |
23 July 2027 |
2 weeks |
€1,890 |
|
25 October 2027 |
5 November 2027 |
2 weeks |
€1,890 |
All costs associated with your assignment, including airfare, are tax-deductible: up to 66% for individuals, 75% if you are liable for the IFI, and 60% for businesses.
Not included in the price
- Airfares and airport taxes;
- Entry visa for Indonesia;
- Personal equipment (tent, clothing, footwear, sleeping bags, water bottle, rucksack, headlamps, etc.);
- Antimalarial drugs and other potential medicines and vaccines;
- Additional drinks and snacks, as well as souvenirs;
- Any expenses (travel, meals and accommodation) you may incur outside the official dates of the assignment;
- Cancellation insurance.
Included in the price
- logistics costs
- Transport*, meals, hotel accommodation
- The on-site mission management team
- The equipment required to carry out the mission
- Planning ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly during your stay
* The journey to the various expedition sites is long and relatively expensive, whether by 4×4, boat or canoe. The tracks are difficult, which means we have to hire high-quality and therefore more expensive vehicles, and this almost always results in additional repair costs. For safety reasons in particular, we are obliged to keep the vehicles with us throughout the mission, which extends the hire period and consequently the cost.
- Management fees
- Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes and impacts of missions
- Measures to promote the missions
- The administrative processing of registrations
- Repatriation insurance and third-party liability
- Membership of Naturevolution
- Donation to Naturevolution’s conservation programmes
- The daily allowances and travel expenses of the researchers you will be accompanying in the field, as well as their post-mission laboratory analyses
- Salaries for those involved in the conservation project throughout the year
- Our French team will oversee this project, including a number of site visits
- Securing funding and maintaining relationships with partners in France are essential to the success of the conservation programme
- Field supervision: You will join the Naturevolution Indonesia team, made up of a project coordinator, an eco-volunteer supervisor and logistics staff. Please note that our partner has authorisation and an access permit issued by the local authorities to enter certain remote sites.
- Exploration: these missions are all about exploration! In other words, they’re full of the unexpected, adventure, improvisation and discovery! You’ll be venturing into remote, uncharted areas, which will force you to step completely outside your comfort zone!
- Remote areas: you’ll find yourself immersed in particularly remote and exotic locations, coming into contact with a new culture and new natural ecosystems. You’ll experience a unique adventure, far from your comfort zone and your everyday routine, whilst helping to protect Sulawesi’s underwater treasures.
- Physical fitness: you must be in good physical condition; a prior medical examination is required.
- Knowing how to swim
- No scientific qualifications required: no need for a scientific background or a specific degree – just motivation, enthusiasm and a keen desire to learn!
- What we’re looking for: in short, we’d like you to be cheerful, easy-going and full of energy!
Beyond your direct actions, your presence is essential because
An international civic commitment
As an eco-volunteer, you will act as an ambassador, raising awareness of the environmental and social issues facing this region both in France and internationally. As a first-hand witness, you will help to highlight the challenges faced and the actions taken by our partner to address them. You will be part of an initiative promoting citizenship and international solidarity, committing yourself as a “global citizen” to the protection of these last remaining biodiversity sanctuaries and to empowering local communities in this region.
Essential financial support
Your participation in the expedition counts as a donation and helps fund various local and sustainable development initiatives in the areas where Naturevolution operates in Indonesia, Madagascar and France!
The venue
The expedition is taking place in the south-east of the island of Sulawesi, a unique region situated at the heart of the Coral Triangle. This exceptional site comprises a mountainous karst massif and a wild archipelago of idyllic islets. Sulawesi is a veritable sanctuary of biodiversity, home to a wide variety of species with remarkable levels of endemism. In particular, the island boasts the world’s highest concentration of butterflies and some of the richest coral reefs on the planet.
Housing
You will sleep in your own tent at a camp that will be built from scratch in the heart of the area to be explored. The camp will be basic but as comfortable, practical and environmentally friendly as possible.
Food
Meals consist mainly of produce purchased in Kendari, complemented by fresh fish from local fisheries and locally grown fruit and vegetables. For drinking water, we collect fresh water from wells and rivers, which we filter or boil to ensure it is safe to drink. Some meals are eaten in local villages, allowing us to discover traditional cuisine whilst supporting the local communities.
Transport
Eco-volunteers must arrive in Kendari no later than the Sunday before the mission starts. Our partner’s team will pick you up at the airport and take you straight to your hotel. A welcome dinner will be shared on the Sunday evening of your arrival. Departure for the field is on Monday morning. At the end of the mission, you will be brought back to Kendari on Friday evening, so that you can take your return flight from Saturday morning at the earliest.
Laundry detergent
As conditions on the ground are fairly basic, there is no standard laundry service. Clothes will be washed by hand using an eco-friendly natural soap and local water, so we recommend packing light, quick-drying clothing.
Wi-Fi
As the site is particularly remote, there is very little Wi-Fi available on site. This placement offers a unique opportunity to switch off, fully immerse yourself in the eco-volunteering experience, and focus on the environment and conservation work without any digital distractions!
About our partner organisation
Since 2009, our partner organisation has been actively working to protect and promote the last remaining threatened biodiversity hotspots, notably the Makay Massif (Madagascar) and the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia), two areas of exceptional ecological richness. Born out of scientific and naturalist expeditions, our partner works hand in hand with local and international interdisciplinary researchers to study and document the richness of these unique ecosystems. At the same time, the organisation works closely with local communities to develop a holistic approach to sustainable development, focusing on social, environmental and economic aspects. Through documentaries, exhibitions and educational programmes, our partner introduces these areas to the general public and raises awareness of the urgent need to protect them.
