Participate
Volunteering & Internships
Get involved in bird conservation across the Central Asian Flyway. Work alongside scientists and rangers at ringing stations, research projects and protected areas.
Internship programmes
CACN and its partners host structured internship programmes for early-career ornithologists and conservationists. Internships are organised through the CACN Internship & Volunteering Working Group and typically span 1-3 months, covering field research, data management, community engagement and bird monitoring. Stipends and travel support are available on a competitive basis.
If you are interested in applying for an internship, please contact the working group lead or use the general contact form to express your interest.
Volunteering at ringing stations
Bird ringing stations across the flyway welcome skilled volunteers during spring and autumn migration seasons. Chokpak Pass Ringing Station in Kazakhstan is the region's longest-running operation and is a regular host for international volunteers. Other stations also accept volunteers; see the full list below for contact details and seasonal dates.
Volunteers typically help with mist-net operations, bird handling, ringing, biometric measurements and data entry. Prior experience is an advantage but is not always required — training is provided on-site.
Volunteers welcome
Zhambyl Region, Kazakhstan
Chokpak Pass Ringing Station
Operated by Institute of Zoology, Kazakhstan
Historic autumn migration bottleneck and ringing station at a narrow pass in the western Tien Shan foothills of southern Kazakhstan.
Volunteers welcome
Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan
Issyk-Kul Ringing Camp
Operated by Kyrgyz Ornithological Society
Seasonal ringing camp on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, sampling waterbirds, passerines and raptors on migration.