Go to the heart of the Makay massif in Madagascar and help protect this jewel of biodiversity. Take part in a participatory science mission: species observations and inventories, ecological surveys, prospecting... All scientific trips here.
Participatory science to better understand the Makay massif
The Makay massif, located in west-central Madagascar, is a unique ecosystem rich in endemic biodiversity and protected by its natural isolation. However, this sanctuary is threatened by growing human pressures, including bush fires, poaching and the illegal harvesting of natural resources. These activities are leading to the degradation of its fragile ecosystems, endangering the rare species and habitats it shelters.
Creation of a protected area in Madagascar
In order to create a protected area for this exceptional ecosystem, our partner has developed scientific conservation actions. For example, participatory science missions to improve and update our knowledge of the Makay massif, its biodiversity and the history of its human settlement. These include population monitoring, behavioral studies, inventories of the Makay's flora and fauna, assisting researchers in their research work, improving the mapping of the Makay and carrying out archaeological surveys.
Identification of taxonomic groups
Monitoring and inventorying the Makay's biodiversity enables us to build a strong case for the creation of a protected area and its sustainable management. The aim of these missions is to identify the main taxonomic groups under threat, and then to draw up and implement action plans for their preservation. In this way, science provides clues as to the state of health of natural environments, the "services" offered by these ecosystems and their links with local communities.
These missions complement the more occasional missions to remote, hard-to-reach areas of the Makay to search for rare species or improve our geographical knowledge.
The species studied are
- Lemurs: 11 species recorded. Monitoring of Verreaux's Sifaka and Rufous-fronted Lemur populations via daytime transects, and nocturnal observations of lemurs such as Microcebes.
- Reptiles and amphibians: Active research in rivers and forests to identify snakes, chameleons and amphibians with the help of specialized guides.
- Birds : Regular inventories based on 2017 protocols, with the possibility of individual long-term capture and monitoring depending on available skills.
- Insects and arthropods : Identification and photography of the smallest animals on the massif.
- Plants: Studies conducted with expert botanists throughout the year.
- Mushrooms: No inventory yet, but a project awaiting a partnership with a mycologist.
Ecovolunteer action in the Makay massif
- You will contribute to scientific research and the conservation of flora and fauna by continuing field studies and ecological inventories:
- Observe the endemic species of the Makay Massif: lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects...
- Data collection: Surveys / inventories / measurements / analyses to assess the state of ecosystems according to established research protocols.
If you wish, you can also:
Produce artistic and/or audiovisual content: If you have artistic and/or audiovisual skills (video, photography, illustration, content creation, etc.), you can produce a logbook or capture the beauty of the area. Your vision will help to fill people with wonder, raise awareness and highlight our partner's actions in Madagascar to preserve the rich ecosystem of the Makay Massif.
|
Departure from Tana |
Back to Tana |
Duration |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
October 19, 2025 |
October 31, 2025 |
2 weeks |
2000 € |
|
April 5, 2026 |
April 17, 2026 |
2 weeks |
2000 € |
|
April 19, 2026 |
May 1, 2026 |
2 weeks |
2000 € |
|
May 10, 2026 |
May 29, 2026 |
3 weeks (birds) |
2750 € |
|
May 31, 2026 |
June 19, 2026 |
3 weeks (birds) |
2750 € |
|
July 5, 2026 |
July 24, 2026 |
3 weeks |
2750 € |
|
August 9, 2026 |
August 28, 2026 |
3 weeks |
2750 € |
|
Sept. 6, 2026 |
Sept. 25, 2026 |
3 weeks |
2750 € |
|
Oct. 4, 2026 |
Oct. 16, 2026 |
2 weeks |
2000 € |
|
Oct. 18, 2026 |
Oct. 30, 2026 |
2 weeks |
2000 € |
Rates: The entire cost of your mission, including airfare, is tax-exempt: up to 66% for individuals, 75% if you are subject to the IFI, and 60% for companies.
Not included
- International flight + airport taxes
- Personal equipment (tent, clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, water bottle, backpack, headlamps, etc.)
- Antimalarials and vaccines
- Madagascar entry visa
- Extra drinks, snacks and souvenirs
- Hotel accommodation and any other expenses outside the official mission dates
- Air ticket cancellation insurance
Included in price
- Logistics costs
- Transportation*, meals, hotel accommodation
- The on-site mission management team
- Equipment required for the mission
- Pre-organization to ensure that everything runs smoothly during your stay
* Transport is the main cost factor: the Makay is a long way to reach and therefore relatively expensive in terms of fuel. The tracks are difficult, forcing our partner to hire top-quality, more expensive vehicles, which almost always involve additional repair costs. For safety reasons in particular, we are obliged to keep the vehicles with us throughout the mission, which extends the rental period and therefore the cost.
- Management fees
- Monitoring and evaluating the results and impact of missions
- Mission promotion initiatives
- Administrative processing of registrations
- Repatriation and civil liability insurance
- Membership of the partner association
- Donation to the conservation program :
- Wages paid to project staff in the field throughout the year
- Research and development of strategies and means of action to safeguard the Makay as a whole.
- Team travel required for project development
- Day-to-day management and fundraising activities in France, essential to the success of the conservation program
- Purchases and investments to support the development and smooth running of projects
- Day-to-day management and fund-raising activities in France, essential to the success of the conservation program.
Beyond your direct actions, your presence is essential to us because :
An international civic commitment
As an ecovolunteer, you'll be helping to raise awareness of the ecological and social challenges facing these regions, both in France and abroad. You contribute to raising awareness of the challenges and actions implemented by our partner. As a "citizen of the world", you're committed to protecting these last sanctuaries of biodiversity and empowering local populations.
Essential financial support
Your participation in the mission becomes a donation and contributes to the financing of various local and sustainable development actions in the partner association's areas of intervention in Indonesia, Madagascar and France!
- Field supervision: these missions are supervised by our partner, and in particular by the eco-guards who are also the best specialists in the Makay forests. Some missions may also be accompanied by Malagasy and/or international researchers.
- Mission activities: scientific protocols and exact missions are prepared one month before departure to best meet needs in the field.
- Remote areas: you'll be immersed in particularly remote and exotic areas, in contact with a new culture and new natural ecosystems. You'll experience a unique adventure, far from your comfort zone and habits, while helping to protect the biodiversity treasures of the Makay Massif.
- Unforeseen events and the nature of the mission: missions can be subject to unforeseen events and are not organized ecotourism trips! Ecovolunteering is a new adventure, where your participation will fluctuate but always be of great use.
- Physical condition: you must be in good physical condition, with a medical check-up required.
- No scientific qualifications required! You don't need a scientific background or any particular diploma, just motivation, enthusiasm and a great desire to learn!
- Expected attitude: At last, we expect you to be smiling, pleasant to be around and full of energy!
Location
The Makay massif, located in central-western Madagascar, is an immense labyrinth of canyons covering 4,000 km², formed by the erosion of crystalline rock masses hundreds of millions of years old. This unique relief, composed of yellow sandstone, shelters plateaus covered with forests and vegetation typical of dry environments, while its deep canyons abound in humid vegetation. This little-explored biodiversity sanctuary is home to rare and endemic species, protected thanks to its isolation.
Accommodation
These missions take place from a base camp established in the massif. This base camp may be moved once during the mission, but is generally fixed to allow us to develop our protocols properly. Our camps are rudimentary, and you'll sleep in your own tent. You'll have access to dry toilets and showers set up in the forest.
The food
We'll be eating produce bought in the capital, supplemented by local products offered by the villagers (depending on the season: mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, breeds, sheep, turkeys, chickens, etc.). Everyone is welcome to help prepare the meals and wash the dishes.
You'll be drinking river water, but you can filter it easily. As for cooking water, the team systematically boils it.
A few beers and soft drinks can sometimes be found in the villages.
Some meals are taken in local villages, allowing you to discover traditional cuisine while supporting the communities.
Transportation
4X4 transport from the capital to the Makay massif.
Laundry
As conditions are rather rudimentary in the field, there is no conventional laundry service. Clothes will be washed by hand with non-polluting natural soap, using locally available water, and we recommend that you bring light, quick-drying clothes.
Wifi
As the terrain is particularly isolated, there is little Wifi connection available on site. This mission is a unique opportunity to disconnect, to live the ecovolunteering experience to the full, and to focus on the environment and conservation actions without digital distractions!
Naturevolution
Since 2009, the Naturevolution association has been actively working to protect and enhance the last threatened sanctuaries of biodiversity, notably the Makay massif (Madagascar) and the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia), two territories of exceptional ecological wealth. Born of scientific 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 association 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 programs, our partner brings these territories to the general public and raises awareness of the urgent need to protect them.
