Head into the heart of the Makay Massif in Madagascar and help protect this jewel of biodiversity. Take part in a citizen science mission: species observations and inventories, ecological surveys, fieldwork… See all our scientific expeditions here
Citizen science to gain a better understanding of 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 under threat from increasing human pressure, including bushfires, poaching and the illegal harvesting of natural resources. These activities are causing the degradation of its fragile ecosystems, endangering the rare species and habitats it shelters.
Establishment of a protected area in Madagascar
In order to establish a protected area for this exceptional ecosystem, our partner has developed scientific conservation initiatives. For example, citizen science projects that help to improve and update our understanding of the Makay massif, its biodiversity and the history of human settlement there. These initiatives aim to monitor populations, conduct behavioural studies and carry out inventories of Makay’s flora and fauna, as well as occasionally assisting researchers with their work, improving the mapping of Makay and conducting archaeological surveys.
Identification of taxonomic groups
Monitoring and surveying the biodiversity of Makay enables the development of 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 develop and implement action plans for their conservation. Science thus provides insights into the health of natural environments, the ‘services’ provided by these ecosystems and their links with local communities.
These missions complement those aimed at making more targeted visits to remote and hard-to-reach areas of Makay in order to search for rare species or improve our geographical knowledge.
The species studied are
- Lemurs: 11 species recorded. Monitoring of Verreaux’s sifaka and red-fronted lemur populations via daytime transects, and night-time observations of lemurs such as the pygmy lemurs.
- Reptiles and amphibians: Active searching in rivers and forests to identify snakes, chameleons and amphibians with the help of specialist guides.
- Birds: Regular surveys based on the 2017 protocols, with the option of capturing and conducting long-term individual monitoring depending on the expertise available.
- Insects and arthropods: Identification and photography of the smallest creatures in the mountains.
- Plants: Studies carried out in collaboration with expert botanists throughout the year.
- Mushrooms: No inventory has been carried out yet, but a project is in the pipeline, pending a partnership with a mycologist.
The work of eco-volunteers in the Makay Mountains
- You will contribute to scientific research and the conservation of flora and fauna by carrying out field studies and ecological surveys:
- Observing the endemic species of the Makay Massif: lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects…
- Data collection: Surveys, inventories, measurements and analyses to assess the condition of ecosystems in accordance with established research protocols.
If you wish, you can also:
Create artistic and/or audiovisual content: If you have artistic and/or audiovisual skills (video, photography, illustration, content creation, etc.), you can keep a diary or capture the beauty of the surroundings. Your perspective will help to inspire wonder, raise awareness and highlight our partner’s work in Madagascar to preserve the rich ecosystem of the Makay Massif.
|
Departure from Tana |
Back to Tana |
Duration |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
19 October 2025 |
31 October 2025 |
2 weeks |
€2,000 |
|
5 April 2026 |
17 April 2026 |
2 weeks |
€2,000 |
|
19 April 2026 |
1 May 2026 |
2 weeks |
€2,000 |
|
10 May 2026 |
29 May 2026 |
3 weeks (birds) |
€2,750 |
|
31 May 2026 |
19 June 2026 |
3 weeks (birds) |
€2,750 |
|
5 July 2026 |
24 July 2026 |
3 weeks |
€2,750 |
|
9 August 2026 |
28 August 2026 |
3 weeks |
€2,750 |
|
6 September 2026 |
25 September 2026 |
3 weeks |
€2,750 |
|
4 October 2026 |
16 October 2026 |
2 weeks |
€2,000 |
|
18 October 2026 |
30 October 2026 |
2 weeks |
€2,000 |
Rates: The full cost of your assignment, including airfare, is tax-deductible: up to 66% for individuals, 75% if you are liable for the IFI, and 60% for businesses.
Not included in the price
- International flight + airport taxes
- Personal equipment (tent, clothing, footwear, sleeping bags, water bottle, rucksack, headlamps, etc.)
- Antimalarial drugs and vaccines
- Entry visa for Madagascar
- Additional drinks and snacks, as well as souvenirs
- Hotel accommodation and any other expenses incurred outside the official dates of the mission
- Cancellation insurance for your flight tickets
Included in the price
- logistics charges
- 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
* It should be noted that transport is the main cost factor because: the journey to Makay is long and therefore relatively expensive in terms of fuel. The tracks are difficult, which means our partner has to hire high-quality and therefore more expensive vehicles, which almost always entails additional repair costs. For safety reasons in particular, they are obliged to keep the vehicles with them 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 the partner association
- Donate to the conservation programme:
- Salaries for project staff working in the field throughout the year
- Research and development of strategies and measures aimed at ultimately safeguarding the Makay as a whole.
- Travel by our teams required for the development of the project
- The day-to-day management and fundraising activities in France, which are essential to the success of the conservation programme
- Purchases and investments that enable the development and smooth running of projects
- The day-to-day management and fundraising activities in France, which are essential to the success of the conservation programme.
Beyond your direct actions, your presence is essential to us because:
An international
civic commitment As an eco-volunteer, you become an ambassador for raising awareness of the environmental and social issues facing these regions, both in France and internationally. You help to raise awareness of the challenges faced and the initiatives implemented by our partner. 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 the empowerment of local communities in the region.
Essential financial support
Your participation in the mission constitutes a donation and helps to fund various local and sustainable development initiatives in the areas where our partner organisation operates 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 leading experts on the Makay forests. Some missions may also be accompanied by Malagasy and/or international researchers.
- Mission activities: scientific protocols and specific mission details are finalised one month before departure to best meet the needs on the ground.
- 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 the treasures of biodiversity that abound in the Makay Massif.
- Unforeseen circumstances and the nature of the assignment: assignments may be subject to unforeseen circumstances and are not organised ecotourism trips! Eco-volunteering is a unique adventure, where your role will vary but will always be of great value.
- Physical fitness: you must be in good physical condition; a prior medical check-up is required.
- No scientific qualifications required! No need for a scientific background or a specific degree – just motivation, enthusiasm and a keen desire to learn!
- Expected attitude: Finally, we expect you to be cheerful, easy-going and full of energy!
The venue
The Makay Massif, located in west-central Madagascar, is a vast labyrinth of canyons covering 4,000 km², formed by the erosion of crystalline rock formations dating back hundreds of millions of years. This unique landscape, composed of yellow sandstone, features plateaus covered in forests and vegetation typical of dry environments, whilst its deep canyons are teeming with humid vegetation. This sanctuary of biodiversity, which has been very little explored, is home to rare and endemic species, protected thanks to its isolation.
Housing
These expeditions are based at a base camp set up in the mountain range. The base camp may be moved once during the expedition, but it is generally fairly fixed to allow us to carry out our protocols properly. Our camps are basic; you will sleep in your own tent. You will have access to dry toilets and showers set up in the forest.
Food
You will eat food bought in the capital, supplemented with local produce provided by the villagers (depending on the season: mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, leafy greens, lamb, turkey, chicken, etc.). Everyone can help prepare meals and wash up.
You will drink river water, but you can easily filter it. As for water for cooking, the team always boils it.
A few beers and soft drinks can sometimes be found in the villages.
Some meals are eaten in the local villages, allowing you to discover traditional cuisine whilst supporting the communities.
Transport
4×4 transport from the capital to the Makay Mountains.
Laundry detergent
As facilities on site 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 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.
