Head off on a participatory research project on the bonobo in the heart of the Congo. The bonobo, closely related to the common chimpanzee, also known as the pygmy chimpanzee, is a species endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Listed as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List since 2016, it is urgent to study it in order to better protect it. This is what you will do during this scientific expedition, in the heart of a rich natural environment, in partnership with the local population. All citizen science stays here
Bonobo research
This research project aims to better understand the bonobo in the Bolobo territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The bonobo is an endemic species living within the community forests of Batéké-Nord, in the west of the country. The objective is to assess and strengthen the strategy put in place by the local population for the long-term protection of these primates. This involves carrying out a real census of the bonobo population and establishing a monitoring system for individuals in the study area.
This research is based on three main pillars
- Monitoring of bonobos in order to estimate their numbers and study their evolution over time;
- The study of bonobo habitat, lifestyles and ecological niche;
- The fight against poaching through fieldwork and local awareness-raising initiatives.
The objective is to answer the following questions
- How do bonobos live, among themselves and with other living beings in their ecosystem?
- Is it possible to characterize their habitat in order to better understand what would be an optimal living environment for their wellbeing? The aim being to preserve this habitat in an ethical and sustainable way.
- What is the bonobo’s diet? Is it possible and relevant for humans to draw inspiration from the bonobo’s dietary practices?
- How can relations between bonobos and villagers be improved in order to contribute to a peaceful and harmonious coexistence between these two communities?
Your involvement in this citizen science stay
Part of the stay takes place, in partnership with the association We are All Drops, at the M’Bou Mon Tour (MMT) farm, and another part in a bivouac. M’Bou Mon Tour is an NGO created in 1997 by villagers. Aware of the role of local communities in maintaining bonobo populations, MMT chose not to create a nature reserve in the traditional sense. Instead, it opted for participatory initiatives that dedicate part of the forest to bonobo conservation, while ensuring that local communities benefit from the outcomes of this conservation policy.
Bonobo monitoring
Your role involves carrying out daily monitoring of individual bonobos. You will head into the forest with a monitoring sheet on which you will record all collected information, such as the GPS coordinates of individuals observed and identified each day. This makes it possible to map the geographical distribution of individuals and populations according to the seasons, to study inter-individual behavioural variability, and more.
What you will learn
- Field scientific research, using research protocols and handling scientific data;
- Primatology: animal biology, animal physiology, ethology, great apes, bonobos, animal evolution, phylogeny, systematics, ecosystems, ecology, etc.
- The environmental challenges facing the DRC: tropical forest, savanna, community forest, rivers, the Congo River, etc.
- The fundamental human values of solidarity, partnership and intercultural exchange.
Dates
- From 11/07/26 to 25/07/26
- From 01/08/26 to 15/08/26
Fees
- €4,985 – Tax reduction possible*
Included in the price
- French-speaking supervision
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Airport transfer
- Support from the local team
Not included in the price
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Vaccination costs
Tax Deduction *
The partner NGO is recognized for the high-quality, meaningful, educational, and solidarity-based nature of its programs and training courses dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NGO operates on a donation-action principle: a person makes a donation and takes part in one of the NGO’s activities. Please note that the donor and the participant may be two different people.
As such, the cost of the training course or scientific expedition may be tax-deductible up to 66% in France, in accordance with current French tax regulations.
- Adults, from 16 years old when accompanied
- Good physical condition required
- Custom dates available from 10 people
- Participants welcomed in Kinshasa (at the airport)
- Supervision is provided in French by a primatology assistant, an educational and logistics coordinator (Drops Association) and a logistics coordinator for the NGO M’Bou Mon Tour
Accommodation
Part of the stay takes place in a bivouac under tents and another part at the M’Bou Mon Tour farm. At the farm, rooms have shared showers and a truly authentic Congolese catering service.
You will experience a truly human adventure immersed in the heart of Congolese nature. You will get to know a country where culture and history are intertwined with the Bonobo heritage. This stay will also be an opportunity for you to explore the natural beauty of the Congo River and admire its wildlife and flora. You will move between the savanna and the tropical forest, within a unique territory boasting rich biodiversity. You will have the chance to observe bonobos, antelopes, buffaloes, wild boars, porcupines, elephants and small monkeys.
About our partner NGO
The partner NGO holds Special Consultative Status with the UN (ECOSOC) and is a member of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition. Specialising in science trips, science and participatory research, the NGO believes that education is the driving force behind the Sustainable Development Goals. It offers a range of participatory science trips for both adults and children.
