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Caméléon Center Conservation
Caméléon Madagascar Eco-Volunteers

Join our eco-volunteer projects in Madagascar

INTERNAL REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ECO-VOLUNTEERING MISSIONS ORGANISED BY THE CAMÉLÉON CENTER CONSERVATION (CCC)

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Version 6.2026

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1. Purpose of the programme

The Caméléon Centre Conservation (CCC) eco-volunteering programme enables adults to immerse themselves in the conservation projects run by the organisation, whilst contributing directly to their funding and development.

The aim of the missions on offer is to introduce participants to the realities of field conservation, the methods used to study chameleons and their habitats, and the work carried out with local partner communities.

Participation in the missions constitutes voluntary work and does not create any employment relationship, mandate or relationship of subordination between the participant and the CCC.

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2. Conditions of participation

Participation in the missions is open to individuals aged 18 or over on the date of departure.

Candidates are selected by the CCC on the basis of:

  • an application form;

  • a curriculum vitae or a summary of the candidate’s background;

  • a preliminary interview with a representative of the CCC.

The CCC reserves the right to reject an application if the candidate’s profile is not compatible with the objectives, constraints or conditions of the mission.

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3. Nature of the missions

The missions are primarily aimed at discovery, raising awareness and immersion in the CCC’s conservation projects.

Depending on the needs of the projects, participants may, in particular, be required to:

  • take part in naturalist surveys;

  • assist teams with certain field observations;

  • contribute to the collection of environmental data;

  • take part in awareness-raising activities;

  • learn about the scientific methods used in the CCC’s programmes;

  • contribute to the production of photographic or audiovisual content promoting conservation efforts.

Participants always work under the supervision of project managers or local partners designated by the CCC.

The CCC does not guarantee that particular activities will take place or that specific species will be observed during a mission.

 

4. Physical requirements and fitness

Missions take place in natural environments that are sometimes remote and may require:

  • daily walks of several kilometres;

  • night-time excursions;

  • travel over rough, wet or slippery terrain;

  • exposure to heat, humidity, inclement weather, insects and other challenges specific to tropical natural environments.

Each participant declares that they are physically fit to meet these requirements.

Participants remain solely responsible for their own health and any medical treatment they may require.

 

5. Conditions of stay

Missions take place in field conditions that may differ significantly from standard tourist accommodation.

Depending on the location, accommodation may include:

  • shared rooms;

  • shared toilet and shower facilities;

  • periods of camping;

  • limited or intermittent access to electricity;

  • no or unreliable mobile phone or internet coverage.​

Participants acknowledge that they accept these conditions prior to registration.

 

6. Financial conditions

The financial contribution requested is intended to help fund the mission, its organisation, and the conservation projects of the CCC and its local partners.

The amount of the contribution is set at 1,900 CHF (Swiss francs) per participant for a standard three-week mission.

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This contribution includes:

  • the general organisation of the mission;

  • scientific and logistical support;

  • accommodation;

  • meals;

  • local travel as part of the programme;

  • site access fees;

  • support from local teams.

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The following remain the sole responsibility of the participant:

  • international transport;

  • visa fees;

  • compulsory insurance;

  • any necessary vaccinations;

  • personal expenses;

  • any services not expressly included in the programme.

A portion of the financial contribution paid by participants is allocated directly to funding the CCC’s conservation projects and supporting its local partners.

 

7. Payment

Registration is confirmed upon receipt of a deposit representing 30% of the total cost of the expedition.

The balance must be paid no later than 60 days before the departure date.

Failure to pay by the deadline may result in the CCC cancelling the registration.

 

8. Cancellation by the participant

In the event of cancellation more than 60 days before departure, the 30% deposit is retained by the CCC and is non-refundable.

In the event of cancellation less than 60 days before departure or if the participant fails to turn up, no refund will be made.

The CCC strongly recommends taking out cancellation insurance to cover such situations.

 

9. Cancellation or amendment by the CCC

A trip is confirmed subject to a minimum of three registered participants.

The CCC reserves the right to cancel or postpone a trip in the event of:

  • insufficient numbers;

  • a natural disaster;

  • political instability;

  • a health crisis;

  • the administrative closure of the site;

  • or any circumstance beyond its control that compromises the safety or feasibility of the trip.

In such cases, the sums paid by participants will be refunded in full.

No further compensation may be claimed from the CCC.

 

10. Insurance

Each participant must, for the entire duration of the mission, hold insurance covering:

  • medical expenses;

  • accidents;

  • third-party liability;

  • medical repatriation.

The participant remains solely responsible for the validity and scope of their cover.

The CCC holds association civil liability insurance covering its official activities organised as part of its missions.

 

11. Safety and Responsibilities

The participant undertakes to comply with all safety instructions provided by the CCC, its representatives, its local partners and the accompanying guides.

The participant acknowledges that the missions involve risks inherent in fieldwork and travel in natural environments.

The CCC cannot be held liable for any damage, loss, theft, injury or incident resulting from:

  • failure to comply with instructions;

  • reckless behaviour on the part of the participant;

  • circumstances beyond its control;

  • or events occurring outside the scope of officially organised activities.

 

12. Respect for the environment and local communities

The participant undertakes to respect:

  • wildlife;

  • flora;

  • natural habitats;

  • local communities;

  • customs and regulations in force.

Any handling of animals, removal, collection or disturbance of species or habitats is prohibited without the explicit authorisation of the mission leader.

 

13. Conduct

The participant undertakes to behave in a respectful manner consistent with the CCC’s values.

The following are specifically prohibited:

  • the use of drugs or illicit substances;

  • excessive consumption of alcohol;

  • behaviour that endangers people or projects;

  • any conduct that damages the reputation of the CCC or its partners.

Any serious breach may result in immediate exclusion from the mission without refund.

 

14. Scientific data

All data, observations, measurements, recordings and information collected during the missions remain the exclusive property of the CCC or its scientific partners.

No dissemination, transmission or use of this data may take place without the prior written authorisation of the CCC.

Any scientific publication using data collected during the mission requires the prior written consent of the CCC.

 

15. Photographs, videos and communication

The participant retains the copyright to the photographs and videos they produce.

However, they grant the CCC, free of charge, a non-exclusive, worldwide licence of indefinite duration permitting their use for the following purposes:

  • scientific;

  • educational;

  • institutional;

  • communication;

  • fundraising.

The participant also authorises the CCC to use their image, voice and any testimonials gathered during the mission for communication purposes relating to the association’s activities.

 

16. Protection of sensitive species

In order to minimise the risk of illegal collection or disturbance of the species under study, the participant shall refrain from disclosing:

  • GPS coordinates;

  • precise locations;

  • sensitive information relating to the species or sites under study.

This obligation remains in force after the end of the mission.

 

17. Suspension or exclusion

The CCC may suspend or terminate a participant’s involvement in the event of:

  • failure to comply with these regulations;

  • dangerous behaviour;

  • failure to comply with safety rules;

  • behaviour incompatible with the objectives of the mission.

Such exclusion does not entitle the participant to any refund.

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18. Certificate of Participation

At the end of the mission, the CCC may issue the participant with a certificate of participation stating the nature of the mission, its duration and the project concerned. This certificate is solely a document confirming participation and cannot be regarded as a certificate of employment, a professional qualification, a diploma or a validation of skills.

The CCC reserves the right not to issue this certificate in the event of early termination of the assignment or failure to comply with these regulations.​

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19. Governing Law

These regulations are governed by Swiss law.

In the event of any discrepancy in interpretation, the French version shall prevail.

The specific terms and conditions applicable to each assignment may be set out in an individual agreement signed between the CCC and the participant.

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