Cape Leopard Trust
DONATE TO CLT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner The Cape Leopard Trust Location South Africa Category Education Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2004 Website capeleopard.org.za Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About The Cape Leopard Trust The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is an environmental NGO and non-profit, based in the Western Cape of South Africa. They facilitate and promote the conservation of biological diversity, with a focus on the leopard as a flagship species. Their purpose and vision is to ensure the continued survival of leopards for the benefit of nature and society, by supporting the protection of leopard habitat and prey species, promoting peaceful coexistence between leopards and people, and fostering community custodianship of the Cape’s unique biodiversity. The CLT works to achieve this vision through rigorous scientific research, conservation-in-action initiatives, environmental education and outreach, and positive communication, in collaboration with communities, private landowners, and partner organizations. Their Challenges The Western Cape, South Africa, is home to globally relevant fauna and flora, and the Cape Floral Region is a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. The leopard is a member of the Big 5 and the last large predator to still roam free in the Western Cape. The species faces multiple threats, including limited and fragmented habitat, reduction in prey numbers, and high levels of conflict with people. Leopards in the Western Cape occur at low densities and utilize home ranges up to ten times larger than leopards in other parts of South Africa. Protecting connectivity across the landscape is essential for the leopard’s long-term survival and to ensure they can continue to provide vital ecosystem services. Poaching in the form of illegal snaring is an exceedingly complex challenge. Snares are indiscriminate and take a huge toll on the entire ecosystem, also impacting predators like leopards. The threat of snaring to leopards is two-fold: firstly, it reduces the numbers of their prey species like small antelope and porcupine, and secondly leopards themselves can get caught. Human-predator conflict is another age-old and still ongoing challenge, as leopards continue to be persecuted in retaliation for both real and perceived livestock losses. Engaging youth in protecting biodiversity is often overlooked, yet this is crucial as it fosters a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, instills a sense of responsibility, and ensures the continuity of conservation efforts for future generations. In rural settings, teachers often face unique obstacles such as isolation, resource constraints, and multi-grade teaching. Their Approach The CLT’s work and reputation is built on a well-established foundation of robust science and strong relationships. The CLT values an inclusive approach to research, conservation and education. They believe that strong stakeholder communication and incorporation is essential to devise successful conservation strategies. In addition, they try to ensure that all people can access nature-based learning and have created a suite of inclusive environmental education tools to facilitate this. Their research seeks to understand leopard ecology and people’s relationships with leopards, and they employ a variety of methods including camera trap surveys, dietary analyses, habitat suitability and connectivity modeling, citizen science, and social science. The CLT takes a holistic approach to conservation and provides support for livestock farmers with leopard conflict, snare patrols, knowledge-sharing workshops, resources, collaborative initiatives, and community-based outreach. Finally, they aim to inspire the next generation with quality environmental education including wilderness camps, eco-clubs, day outings, holiday programs, art competitions, presentations, online learning, and a children’s literacy project. Why They Need Your Help The Cape Leopard Trust seeks support to monitor leopard population trends through repeat large-scale camera surveys of core leopard habitat. The operational running costs of these surveys are immense. Furthermore, they need help to rapidly mitigate emerging threats to leopards. The increasing prevalence of snaring in the province has prompted the development of our collaborative Snare Free project, which requires urgent support to combat this threat. Additionally, funds are required to identify, investigate and conserve ecological corridors in partnership with private landowners and other stakeholders. Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to The Cape Leopard Trust. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
Reserva Tesoro Escondido
DONATE TO TESORO ESCONDIDO Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation Location Ecuador, Latin America Category Community Support and Development Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Help support Tesoro Escondido Reserve Parabiologists Date Founded 2016 Website www.tesororeserve.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation The Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation works to conserve the highly threatened lowland Ecuadorian Chocó forest through participatory scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable community projects. It protects a 5,000 acre nature reserve that many endangered and endemic species depend upon for their survival, including the Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey. Their Challenges The Chocó lowland forest is threatened by several anthropogenic activities, mainly timber extraction and agriculture. Flora and fauna in this forest are still understudied and many species haven’t been described yet. Furthermore, local communities are not aware of the highly biodiverse area they live in, making its conservation a challenge. Mining in the near future may become a major additional threat, as it is expanding throughout the country. Their Approach The Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation coordinates participatory scientific research, carrying out biodiversity surveys in the reserve at their scientific station. They also work with around 500 children in local communities around the reserve through their permanent environmental education program. They develop sustainable development community projects, particularly with local women to strengthen local businesses and capacity building. They also manage a coexistence project that reduces human-wildlife conflict with jaguars and other predators. The Foundation supports indigenous Chachi and mixed communities with habitat restoration projects and agroecology development. Why They Need Your Help The Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation needs donors’ support to guarantee the continuation of its activities, particularly core costs which allow them to pay staff salaries and fund the operations and improvements of their crucial research station.
You Are Our Hope For Madagascar!
DONATE TO MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Madagasikara Voakajy Location: Bobaomby Complex Protected Area, North Madagascar Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Ecosystem Restoration Key Species: Giant baobab tree Crowned lemur Blind Stone Skink Challenges And Threats: Forest fires Deforestation Climate change Actions: Strengthen community capacity to sustainably manage nature Ecological monitoring Restoration of endangered trees The Challenge Bobaomby, the area located between Ambodimadiro going north to Cap d’Ambre, is rich in biodiversity, yet is undergoing a massive forest loss due to land clearing, forest fires, extension of the farmland, and an increase in charcoal production. In 15 years, the loss of forest cover continues to vary, averaging over 700 acres per year. These forests are the habitat of many endangered species which we believe are in major decline. Understanding scientific data such as the ecology of our focal species will allow us to develop appropriate conservation plans. Urgent Solutions In a strenuous effort to preserve the Bobaomby forest, Madagasikara Voakajy is intensifying its protection efforts by already strengthening patrolling efforts with the fund obtained in June 2023. We plan to extend these efforts to strengthen forest protection through local patrols. Investing in scientific research will provide us with data that will help us establish the right management strategy to conserve target species. Why Your Donation Matters The Bobaomby zone is an area with several charcoal permits, but we have identified several charcoal production areas where it is not permitted. Furthermore, Bobaomby has several sacred places with intact forests with high potential for biodiversity wealth. Given that we have obtained authorization from the local leaders to access these places, we would like to continue our conservation actions in these places, secure the necessary funds for biological surveys, and establish sustainable resource management plans. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Silky Sifakas Need Your Help
SUPPORT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name: Lemur Conservation Foundation Location: Marojejy National Park, Madagascar Appeal Category: Endangered Species Wildlife Conservation Scientific Research Key Species: Silky sifaka Indri Red ruffed lemur Challenges And Threats: Bushmeat hunting Slash-and-burn agriculture Selective logging Actions: Arboreal camera trapping for lemurs Silky sifaka long-term monitoring The Challenge Critically endangered silky sifakas are among the rarest primates in the world with less than 2000 remaining individuals and none in zoos. They are only found in a small area of northeastern Madagascar at elevations above 600m. For many years this species was listed as one of the World’s Top 25 rarest primates. Silky sifakas are the flagship species for Marojejy National Park, a World Heritage Site. Due to their rarity and the steep mountainous terrain, obtaining valid population densities is challenging. It is critical for the survival of this species that more is learned about where exactly they are found, their abundance, and the local threats that vary with site. Urgent Appeal Funds are needed for two silky sifaka conservation research projects: Arboreal camera trapping and Long-term monitoring. From December 1, 2023 to June 1, 2024, we plan to conduct a lemur survey in southwestern Anjanaharibe-Sud (near Camp Indri) using motion-activated camera traps placed high in the trees and on the ground. Particularly for very rare species, such as critically endangered silky sifakas, or cryptic species like aye aye, traditional survey methods such as line-transect surveying, require large amounts of time and resources and do not always produce clear results. Arboreal camera trapping is a new methodology increasingly used for lemurs in Madagascar. Our long-term monitoring program focuses on four groups of silky sifakas that we would like to visit each year (Camp Marojejia in Marojejy National Park, Camp Indri in Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, and Maherivaratra, a disturbed unprotected forest). Additionally, we hope to start visiting the groups near Simpona Lodge in Makira National Park, an unusual low-elevation site. We have habituated several of these groups and have established individual recognition. It is critical to regularly follow these groups (at least once per year for several weeks) to learn more about their demography and document critical life-history parameters such as number of infants born each year, birthdates, changes in group membership as well as obtaining ranging and feeding data. Moreover, our team plays a vital role in protecting these groups by destroying bushmeat traps, identifying new disturbances in their habitat, and organizing patrols if needed. Our presence deters poaching. Why Your Donation Matters With 22 lemur species, including 6 critically endangered species, northeastern Madagascar has long been a primate conservation and biodiversity hotspot. Lemur Conservation Foundation is one of the primary sponsors of Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, which are among the largest and least disturbed rainforest landscapes in Madagascar. Silky sifakas are actually a nationally recognized lemur with their own national stamp and several international films. Before COVID, thousands of tourists visited this region specifically to see silky sifakas which are one of the largest lemurs, absolutely gorgeous fluffy white acrobats that inhabit steep magnificent mountain cliffs, truly breathtaking. Local communities recognize that silky sifakas bring researchers, tourists, and resources. Moreover, this species is very unique with a high elevation preference and they depigment (turning pink) more rapidly with age than any other primate species. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified Partner One of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally Constituted This organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Top Accountability Our experienced team has rigorously reviewed the organization’s annual accounts. Learn More Effective Impact We recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Conservation Action Heroes We recognize this Partner for their high level of engagement with the Conservation Allies team and their demonstration of a clear commitment to our collective mission of making a real difference and having a major impact on wildlife and communities where it is needed most.
Conserve Peru’s Forests Through Primate Reintroduction
DONATE TO KAWSAY Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Kawsay Biological Station Location: Madre de Dios, Peru Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Black face Peruvian spider monkey Iron wood Harpy eagle Challenges And Threats: Selective logging Lack of capacity building for local students Lack of field equipment Actions: Training students Securing equipment Installing satellite internet connection The Challenge Since 2018, Kawsay Biological Station has managed the conservation of a forest almost 500 acres in size, next to the Tambopata National Reserve. Before 2018, this area was heavily impacted by selective logging, mining, and hunting. Since their presence in the area, these activities have remained controlled. A group of reintroduced spider monkeys is also found in this forest and Kawsay members are focused on ensuring their viability. A large focus of Kawsay’s work is managing the forest through the protection of spider monkeys and involving local students in research and conservation action. Urgent Solutions The illegal activities continue to occur around the Kawsay concession, and the risk and threat are present. It is important that Kawsay staff, interns, and volunteers maintain a constant presence within the forest, while they carry out patrol activities, study wildlife, and above all, monitor the monkeys. In doing so, the forest is monitored and illegal activities have stopped altogether. Increased access to scientific equipment will help Kawsay members to better understand the ecological requirements of the spider monkey, and will improve the training experiences of local students. Why Your Donation Matters Your donation will support the training of local students so they can have better educational opportunities and contribute to conservation long into the future. It will also help to ensure the viability of a reintroduced group of spider monkeys who are important seed dispersers and help the natural regeneration of the forest. The return of this species to an area where they were once considered extinct will help to restore the composition and function of this forest. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Lemurs! Madagascar’s Treasure Needs Your Help
DONATE TO GERP Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name GERP Madagascar Location: Maromizaha in Madagascar Appeal Category: Ecotourism Reforestation Scientific Research Key Species: Indri Gray-headed Lemur Coquerel’s Sifaka Challenges And Threats: Illegal poaching Cattle ranching Charcoal production Actions: Community outreach Law enforcement Protection patrols The Challenge Lemurs, Madagascar’s most iconic and endangered primates, are facing an unprecedented crisis. Their lush rainforest habitats are vanishing at an alarming rate, due to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the illegal wildlife trade. As a result, lemurs are on the brink of extinction, and their unique biodiversity is at risk of being lost forever. These captivating creatures, found nowhere else on Earth, play a critical role in their ecosystems. To combat this urgent crisis, GERP Madagascar is dedicated to protecting lemurs and preserving their habitats. Support for their efforts will make a real difference in overcoming these challenges and ensuring a brighter future for lemurs in Madagascar. Together, conservation partners can be the lifeline these incredible animals desperately need. Urgent Solutions The time to act is now. Lemurs in Madagascar can’t wait. With proper support, GERP Madagascar is implementing critical solutions to protect these beloved primates. Donations fund essential actions, including habitat preservation, anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, education, and scientific research. GERP is working tirelessly to halt habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade, ensuring that lemurs can thrive once more. By contributing today, supporters become a vital part of these urgent solutions, making a profound impact on the survival of lemurs and the preservation of Madagascar’s rich biodiversity. Conservation partners can join this race against time to secure a future where lemurs continue to enchant the world. Why Your Donation Matters Lemurs are not just charismatic animals; they are guardians of Madagascar’s exceptional biodiversity. Their survival is intertwined with the preservation of unique ecosystems found nowhere else on our planet. By protecting lemurs, GERP protects the very essence of Madagascar’s natural heritage. These remarkable creatures serve as ambassadors for the urgent need to conserve our environment and the delicate balance of life on Earth. Action is needed now. By supporting GERP Madagascar, donors are taking a stand for lemurs, for biodiversity, and for our planet’s future. Contributions are more than donations; they’re commitments to safeguarding the wonders of our world. Together, GERP and its supporters can make a lasting difference, ensuring that Madagascar remains a sanctuary for biodiversity and the enchanting home of lemurs. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes Lemurs! Madagascar’s Treasure Needs Your Help Lemurs, Madagascar’s most iconic and endangered primates, are facing unprecedented rates of deforestation and illegal wildlife trade. With your support, GERP is implementing critical solutions to protect these beloved primates. Donations fund habitat preservation, anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, education, and research. Raised so far $0 Goal $10K 0% funded APPEAL Snapshot Partner Naturaleza, Tierra y Vida (NATIVA) Location Gran Paisajes del Chaco, Chiquitania y Pantanal, Bolivia Appeal Category Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Community Support and Development Key Species Jaguar, Chaco peccary, Lowland tapir Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact The Challenges Bolivia is in the middle of an escalating wildfire crisis. Prolonged drought, rising temperatures, and unsustainable land use have pushed the Chaco, Chiquitania, and Pantanal into increasingly frequent megafires. Each fire season destroys critical habitat, degrades soils and waterways, and puts Indigenous and rural communities at risk. Many protected landscapes still lack the equipment, early-warning systems, and trained brigades needed to contain fires before they spread. Urgent Solutions NATIVA is launching an integrated wildfire prevention and response program. They will strengthen local brigades with specialized training, protective equipment, and logistical support; expand satellite monitoring to detect hotspots in real time; and run awareness campaigns to help communities adopt preventive fire-management practices before the next dry season. The goal: sharply reduce wildfire impact and safeguard critical habitat for jaguars, Chaco peccaries, lowland tapirs, and the people who share their range. Why Your Donation Matters Your support goes straight to protecting some of Bolivia’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Every contribution equips a frontline brigade, keeps a monitoring system online, or fuels an emergency deployment when a fire breaks out. Investing in prevention now is how we stop irreversible biodiversity loss and defend Indigenous territories—before the next fire season hits.
Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC)
DONATE TO SOC Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC) Location Colombia, Latin America Category Ecotourism Land Purchases Scientific Research Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2019 Website sociedadornitologicadecordoba.org Partner Qualifications Legally Constituted About Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba The Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC) is an early-career non-profit organization based in the city of Monteria, Colombia. The SOC’s aims are: To promote the study, research, and dissemination of ornithology at various academic, educational, and recreational levels To establish the principles of harmonious coexistence with nature, and To promote social and sustainable economic development of nature. SOC seeks to be a leading organization deeply committed to the development of activities contributing to the conservation and valuation of the region’s birds. The projects carried out by the SOC to date include the search for the Sinu Parakeet, a bird lost since 1949, establishing the Agami Heron Birding Trail in the mangroves of Cispatá Bay, and studing large birds of prey to generate knowledge and conservation actions. Their Challenges Colombia is home to an incredibly diverse array of landscapes and habitats. However, almost all of the lowland rainforest in the region have been destroyed and converted to cattle pasturelands, placing enormous threats on local biodiversity, habitats, and water sources. Their Approach SOC’s focus is on studying and generating new information on at-risk species and ecosystems. They are working to protect Colombia’s birds and other wildlife. The SOC is working to carry out the following projects: Create new protected areas for species and ecosystem conservation in Córdoba, such as the Crested Eagle Nature Reserve Research and monitor endangered bird species for in situ conservation, including the Agami heron Continue providing workshops to community members to raise awareness of the importance of conserving ecosystems Build capacities and tools that enable communities to use natural resources sustainably and follow good ecotourism practices, such as the Agami Heron Birding Trail. Why They Need Your Help To continue its critical work in ornithology and conservation, Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba seeks your support. Thanks to its donors, SOC has been able to develop projects with results of great interest to science and a positive impact on local communities.
Madagasikara Voakajy
DONATE TO MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Madagasikara Voakajy Location Madagascar, Africa Category Capacity Building and Training Ecosystem Restoration Scientific Research Urgent Appeals You Are Our Hope For Madagascar! Date Founded 2005 Website www.madagasikara-voakajy.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Madagasikara Voakajy Madagasikara Voakajy is conservation non-profit organization based in Bobaomby, Madagascar, that is dedicated to the conservation of endemic and critically endangered species in Madagascar. Their mission is to preserve Madagascar’s endemic species from extinction in the wild. They recognize that this is impossible to achieve without the involvement of local community members and are thus dedicated to taking a locally-led approach to conservation. Since 2006, Madigasikara Voakajy has carried out research on the Golden mantella frog in eastern Madagascar, leading its conservation strategy. In 2015, a new protected area was created to ensure the frog’s conservation. Five years later, the Golden mantella frog was down-listed from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This is only one of Madigasikara Voakajy’s many recent accomplishments conservation. Between 2009-2012, Madagasikara Voakajy investigated patterns of bushmeat hunting in Madagascar. Their results highlighted the significance of hunting in the decline of lemur populations. Since then, stopping lemur hunting has been a top priority in all of Madagasikara Voakajy’s conservation projects. Since 2014, Madagasikara Voakajy has investigated the biology and ecology of the Critically Endangered Perrier’s baobab, of which only 99 mature individuals are found in the wild. By 2020, they had located an additional 50 mature individuals, produced over 5,000 seedlings, and planted them. They continue to monitor the survival and growth of the planted seedlings. Their Challenges A large part of the forests of Bobaomby have been impacted by loggers due to the expansion of agricultural land, despite the fact that these forests are home to many endemic flora and fauna. The lack of funding to implement conservation tactics for the forests and wildlife species constitutes a major challenge in this area. Their Approach Local communities are at the heart of Madagasikara Voakajy’s conservation approach. Their main objectives for 2024-2028 are: Research: Better understand the biology and ecology of target species, how they interact with humans, and their conservation status Governance: Establish local structures capable of effectively managing the conservation of target species and their habitats Valorisation: Identify and promote wildlife-based economic models that can generate essential benefits for local communities while simultaneously encouraging them to reduce pressures on species of concern and their natural habitats, ultimately resulting in increased conservation success Restoration: Restore degraded habitats of target species in the wild Madagasikara Voakajy uses the results of scientific studies to guide their conservation efforts. With donor support in 2023, they planted 6,000 trees over 10 acres alongside local villagers. They also created an agreement with the community to plant baobabs, an indigenous tree of great cultural significance that is also vital for Madagascar’s wildlife. Why They Need Your Help Madagasikara Voakajy is looking for support to continue their forest restoration work and to strengthen and train their staff and community members on the sustainable management of natural resources. They are also working to advance scientific research on the key species existing of Bobaomby in order to improve their conservation strategies. All of their conservation activities are reliant upon donations to continue.
Madagascar Wildlife Conservation
DONATE TO MWC Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Madagascar Wildlife Conservation Location Madagascar, Africa Category Ecotourism Environmental Education Scientific Research Urgent Appeals Help Save The Alaotran Gentle Lemur Date Founded 2003 Website www.madagascar-wildlife-conservation.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Madagascar Wildlife Conservation Madagascar Wildlife Conservation (MWC) is a Malagasy non-profit organization that is leading a variety of conservation initiatives in Alaotra Lake, with the overarching aim of saving the Critically Endangered Alaotran gentle lemur from extinction. Their longterm initiatives include biodiversity conservation and research, environmental education, implementing mechanisms for sustainable resource use, and ecotourism development. MWC co-manages the special conservation zone and leads successful restoration activities in Park Bandro, home to the largest sub-population of the Alaotran gentle lemur. Their Challenges With more than 550,000 people living around the lake, human pressure on the Ramsar site is high. The main economic drivers are fisheries and rice production and the human population has increased more than 6-fold in the past 40 years. During the same period, agricultural output has dropped to about 40% of its former level. As usable land is decreased, more people are entering the marshes to establish rice fields. Bush-meat hunting in the marshes for Alaotran gentle lemur has also been reported to be on the rise again in recent years. It is broadly recognized that due to low yields, marshland transformation is used to expand areas under cultivation, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of declining yields to continued deforestation and land transformation. Their Approach MWC works closely with public primary schools to promote environmental awareness into school curricula, advocating for interactive and experiential learning to aid understanding of and interest in the natural world. In the past few years, educational outreach has been increased to include natural resource users and associations. MWC further works with Alaotra’s farmers and fishers to develop sustainable agricultural/fishing practices and to promote the creation of alternative revenue sources to alleviate pressure on the natural environment from traditional slash and burn agriculture and overfishing. MWC is also leading the local community in ecotourism to link conservation efforts with development and to generate alternative incomes for the community, facilitating and moderating conservation and environmental education workshops with and for various stakeholder groups, and hosting conservation-focused community meetings. They work to prevent illegal activities, such as bush-meat trapping and the conversion of wetlands to agricultural lands. Additional projects include marsh restoration and community outreach. Why They Need Your Help MWC is seeking your support for the following activities: Ensuring intensive patrolling to protect the Alaotran gentle lemur and monitor its population. Expanding marshland conservation efforts through local community outreach Providing livelihood opportunities for local community members Improving marsh vegetation structure around Alaotra Strengthening law enforcement to stop illegal Alaotran gentle lemur hunting and the conversion of marshlands into rice fields. MWC is reliant upon donations to continue their critical work of saving the Alaotran gentle lemur and the surrounding habitats.
Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
DONATE TO MBP Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership Location Madagascar, Africa Category Community Support and Development Protected Area Management Scientific Research Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2010 Website www.madagascarpartnership.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership The Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership works with local communities to balance the needs of people while protecting endangered wildlife and wild places. With four field stations located across the island from the northern tip of the country to the south, the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership adapts every activity to the local culture and habitat. Their Challenges The Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership’s northernmost field site is near a tropical deciduous forest that is home to the global population of the Northern Sportive Lemur. This species is on the brink of extinction with estimates of 100 individuals or less remaining. Unfortunately, illegal harvesting of trees for charcoal production and timber is rapidly fragmenting the forest. Though a protected area, enforcement is difficult due to the site’s convenient proximity to a burgeoning city. Deforestation is also the primary threat to wildlife around the two of Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership’s field stations in humid, evergreen forests, but is driven here by the agricultural needs of the community. As a result of the removal of large fruit-bearing trees in the forest, the Critically Endangered Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs experience a decline in population, as these trees are their main source of food. Although the Critically Endangered Greater Bamboo Lemurs can adjust their natural diet when disrupted by deforestation, they often turn to agricultural crops which can lead to human-wildlife conflicts. In the dry, spiny forest around the southernmost field station of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, agriculture, and charcoal production are the main stressors on wildlife populations. While the area is home to one of the last strongholds of the Critically Endangered Radiated Tortoise, this species must still contend with the above threats in addition to poaching pressures. Their Approach Habitat loss is a shared consequence of human activity around every Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership field station. Community-supported reforestation programs that include native species as well as tree species that are useful to people are being implemented at each site. Though the benefits take years to reap, the action engages more than a thousand people every year. This community-driven proactive behavior has planted more than 6 million trees since 2012. As this is a long-term commitment, a generation of children is growing up with this as part of their ethos. Depending on the drivers of habitat loss, interventions can include workshops to make improved cook stoves to reduce the amount of fuel required to prepare a meal, forest patrols with volunteer rangers and local authorities, experimentation with alternative agriculture strategies, introduction of agroforestry crops, and composting workshops. Meanwhile, lemur monitoring is an ongoing activity providing a ‘live stream’ of data on wildlife populations that will aid in their conservation. Why They Need Your Help In 2022 and 2023, four cyclones impacted the communities and forests where the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership works. Damage ranged from minor flooding and the toppling of trees to complete destruction of homes, schools, and other critical infrastructure. Where there have not been cyclones, a multi-year drought is pushing people and wildlife to their limits. In Madagascar, people have centuries of knowledge and experience that allow them to thrive under familiar conditions, but shifting weather patterns and growing human populations require exploring new ways of meeting household needs. Support from you will help the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership maintain its programs including the long-running wildlife monitoring programs that document the response of lemurs, tortoises, and the forest to cyclones, habitat conversion, and more. Healthy lemur populations are also a boon to communities as people from around the world travel to Madagascar to see them. The Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership’s lemur monitoring teams bring visitors to the forest where ecotourists can see the animals in the wild. The proceeds provide livelihoods and are distributed among local organizations, like the mayor’s office which used the funds for community improvement projects like replacing school roofs. Your support will also help the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership expand its ecotourism activities.