Volunteers for the Amazon: call for expressions of interest

Context of the call for expressions of interest

International volunteering is a practical lever for supporting civil society initiatives aimed at preserving primary forests. It both strengthens the action capacities of organizations working in the field and engages young people and citizens in meaningful assignments that respond as closely as possible to local needs.

The Volunteers for the Amazon program (or V-Amazonia) aims to support initiatives and projects led by civil society stakeholders in favor of preserving the Amazon rainforest. It forms part of France’s commitments in the areas of biodiversity preservation and the development of international exchange and solidarity volunteering.

V-Amazonia is implemented by France Volontaires with the support of the Delegation for Territorial Authorities and Civil Society (DGM/DCTCIV) of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The program runs over 30 months and seeks to provide lasting support to organizations engaged in countries of the Amazon basin.

The program notably aims to:

• Mobilize at least 50 volunteers in support of impactful initiatives led by civil society organizations in countries of the Amazon basin;
• Strengthen the capacities and networking of 100 civil society organizations working to preserve the Amazon rainforest or support local communities and Indigenous peoples.

The first call for expressions of interest, launched in 2025, led to the selection of 49 VSI, VSI-R and VEC assignments. As of 30 April 2026, 36 volunteers are in the field, 7 are being recruited or are in pre-departure training, and 6 have completed their assignments. This second call opens the program to International Civic Service, including reciprocity arrangements, in order to strengthen the program’s impact and expand the hosting in France of young people from Amazonian countries.

Eligible schemes

• The International Civic Service (SCI): civic service is an introductory form of volunteering intended for young people to carry out assignments of general interest. A wide range of organizations may host a young person in civic service, including host organizations outside France that are not accredited, provided that the assignment is implemented through an accredited organization. If the accredited organization has not been identified at the time the project is submitted, France Volontaires may facilitate contact.

Within the program, SCI helps strengthen the presence of young volunteers alongside communities and supported projects, complementing the other schemes. It is a particularly suitable tool for civic engagement through assignments of general interest in support of organizations committed to preserving the Amazon rainforest.

• Reciprocal Civic Service (SCR): international civic service is open to the principle of reciprocity, allowing young people from countries that host French volunteers to come and carry out an assignment in France. Within the program, these assignments are intended to consolidate partnerships, enrich intercultural exchange, and strengthen links between Amazonian territories and French territories.

SCR makes it possible to host in mainland or overseas France young people from partner Amazonian countries for 7-month assignments developed within partnerships between French organizations and organizations from program countries. Volunteers are identified in the program’s target countries and deployed within French organizations linked to forest-related challenges.

• The Volunteering for Exchange and Skills (VEC) scheme is carried out by certain associations that are members of France Volontaires. It enables a volunteer with more substantial professional experience to provide highly targeted, high value-added expertise through short-term assignments for the benefit of a host organization.

Priority themes

Volunteer assignments eligible under this call for expressions of interest must fall within one or more of the following themes:

• Forest valorization: non-timber forest products, agroforestry, ancestral knowledge, alternatives to deforestation;
• Forest restoration: reforestation, fighting deforestation, nature-based solutions;
• Forest protection: management of natural parks and protected areas, responsible ecotourism, prevention of conflicts between human activities and wildlife.

Indicative timetable

• 21.05.2026: Publication of the call for expressions of interest;
• Early July 2026: First selection committee;
• 31.08.2026: Closing of the call for expressions of interest;
• September 2026: Final selection committee.

This call for expressions of interest is open for rolling submissions and no later than 31 August 2026. Submitted applications will be reviewed regularly by the selection committee, which will meet at least in July and September 2026.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online form on the digital procedure website. Creating an account is required.

For any request relating to this call, please send an email to: [email protected]