We need you

Support us by becoming a volunteer

Becoming a volunteerVolunteer Roles

join us

To join the Surveillance program as a volunteer

You can download and read the volunteer bookletthe volunteer booklet, program "Surveillance". Then fill out the registration form by clicking on the "Become a Volunteer" link below.

Download now the volunteer's booklet, "Surveillance" program

UPCOMING TRAINING SESSIONS
 
FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING
 
In French
PAST: Training weekend April 25–26, 2026 – Vaud (2 days)
PAST: June 13, 2026, in Moudon, Vaud
PAST: July 25, 2026, in Châteauneuf, Valais
OPEN: August 22, 2026, in Moudon, Vaud
 
In German
PAST: May 2, 2026, in Visp – Valais
 
For safety reasons and out of mutual respect, dogs are not allowed.
ONLINE TRAINING
(for international volunteers)
 
In German
June 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
July 14, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
August 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
 
In English
June 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
July 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
August 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
 
In French
May 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
June 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
June 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
July 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
August 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
August 25 at 6:00 p.m. 
September 14 at 6:00 p.m.  
 
 
The finalization of your registration will be done by email by our team. We will contact you within a few days of your request to define your mission dates.
Download the bookletBecome a volunteer
volunteer

Why does OPPAL use volunteers?

OPPAL supports farmers in summering areas by providing watchmen to monitor their flocks. This program allows the shepherd to be relieved and to keep an eye on the flock when he/she is resting during the night. This support is offered to the herders. It allows the construction of bridges between the rural and urban world, often opposed in this theme.

The objective of OPPAL is to reinforce the human presence around the herds in order to stop the attacks of large carnivores on livestock.

Roles of Volunteers

By engaging in the various programs offered by OPPAL, you also participate in :

  1. The improvement of the cohabitation between the pastoral world and the large carnivores.
  2. The establishment of bridges and spaces for dialogue between the different protagonists.
  3. The defense of biodiversity and wildlife.

Volunteer

Volunteer Profile

Become a volunteer

Physical condition

The volunteer must be in good physical condition andbe able to evolve in the mountains, know its dangers, be able to withstand various weather conditions (hot/cold, rain, storm, snow), be used to basic living conditions and be comfortable bivouacking.

Age

The volunteer must be at least 18 years old.

Point of view

The volunteer must be able to be caring and open-minded in order to foster a healthy dialogue with the herders.

For safety reasons and out of mutual respect, dogs are not allowed.
 
 

We need you

Join us and participate in the "surveillance" program

Become a volunteer