Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership 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.
Lemur Conservation Foundation
Lemur Conservation Foundation Partner Snapshot Partner Lemur Conservation Foundation Location Madagascar, Africa Category Endangered Species Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Silky Sifakas Need Your Help Date Founded 1996 Website www.lemurreserve.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Lemur Conservation Foundation The Lemur Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. Their home base is the AZA-accredited Myakka City Lemur Reserve in southwest Florida, where about 50 lemurs live in natural forests and connected enclosures. Species include Mongoose lemurs, Red-ruffed lemurs, Ring-tailed lemurs, Common brown lemurs, and Collared brown lemurs. LCF has the largest population of Critically Endangered Mongoose lemurs outside of Madagascar and one of the largest populations of Critically Endangered Red-ruffed lemurs. In northeastern Madagascar, LCF has maintained a staffed office since 2016, located in Sambava. With 22 lemur species, including 6 critically endangered species, northeastern Madagascar has long been a primate conservation and biodiversity hotspot. All staff members are Malagasy residents who work extensively in and around Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve as well as inside northern Makira. They conduct lemur surveys and research programs to protect and study Critically Endangered Silky sifakas, Indris, and Red-ruffed lemurs, which are all found in this region. Conservation programs run by LCF include forest monitoring, lemur research, eco-tourism, environmental education, community health programs, reforestation work, and distribution of fuel-efficient stoves. Their Challenges Although stunningly rich in biodiversity, Madagascar is also exceptionally poor in almost every quality-of-life measure tracked by the United Nations and World Bank. The population is exploding, and most Malagasy people live on less than $1 per day. Poverty and political instability have undermined Madagascar’s environmental management. Slash and burn agriculture, selective logging of precious wood (rosewood and ebony), and fuel wood harvesting has accelerated deforestation and erosion, which in turn has altered microclimates, leading to droughts, forest fires, and soil degradation. Bushmeat hunting of lemurs has also increased in recent years due to a lack of alternative protein sources in rural villages as well as the emergence of a commercial bushmeat trade. Geographically, the steep mountainous rainforests of Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve are one of the most difficult habitats to monitor. The Marojejy Protected Area Complex is one of the largest rainforest landscapes in Madagascar, and the resources of one Madagascar National Parks office are stretched between two large reserves. There is only one major paved road in the whole region; most of Marojejy and all of ASSR lack accessible roads. The protected areas face many additional challenges, including insufficient park ranger and boundary demarcation, illegal rice and vanilla plantations inside Marojejy, and crystal mining in ASSR. Socio-economic concerns include the decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crash of vanilla prices, and growing human population. Their Approach LCF is one of the primary sponsors of Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (ASSR), which are among the largest and least disturbed rainforest landscapes in Madagascar. LCF’s conservation programs, based on the IUCN Lemur Action Plan, emphasize ecotourism, environmental education, research, park and lemur protection, reforestation, sustainable development, and population/health/environment (PHE) programs. Ecotourism projects include rebuilding the dining areas, bungalows, and kitchen facilities in Marojejy, in addition to building new tent shelters, a dining area, shower, and toilet for Camp Indri, the sole camping site of ASSR. The camps not only bring tourists and researchers, but also give local school groups a chance to view exceptional wildlife in primary forests during overnight fieldtrips led by LCF. Madagascar National Parks collaborates closely with LCF to improve park boundary demarcation, lemur surveys, and monthly week-long forest patrols which include intensive data collection and actual enforcement. LCF also has one of the largest family planning programs in Madagascar, supporting hospital nurses who treated over 1,300 women with 3-year contraceptive implants in 2022. To counter deforestation in the SAVA region, LCF manages 6 tree nurseries from which 43,258 trees of 61 different indigenous species were planted in 2023. Why They Need Your Help The Lemur Conservation Foundation is doing critical work on the ground in Madagascar to protect lemurs and their habitat. They face numerous challenges and their work cannot be sustained without generous donations from the public.
Kawsay Biological Station
Kawsay Biological Station Partner Snapshot Partner Kawsay Biological Station Location Peru, Latin America Category Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Forest Management Through Monitoring Primates Date Founded 2018 Website www.kawsaycenterperu.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Kawsay Biological Station The Kawsay Biological Station is a wildlife research non-profit located in Madre de Dios, Peru — one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Kawsay is a Quechua word that means life. Just one hour by boat from the city, the research station works in the buffer zone of the Tambopata National Reserve. This buffer zone is heavily impacted by illegal gold mining, selecting logging, and hunting. Kawsay is committed to monitoring, providing education, and managing research programs, which are available to everyone, whether they are a conservation professional or not. One of Kawsay’s major current projects is the reintroduction of a population of Endangered Black-faced spider monkeys to the area. Since 2018, there have been 15 births in the reintroduced spider monkey population. Kawsay’s efforts, therefore, have allowed the species to re-establish in an area where it was previously extinct. Their Challenges The lower part of the Madre de Dios River has suffered greatly from illegal gold mining, logging, and hunting. However, since the construction of Kawsay Biological Station, no further illegal activities have been registered in the area. Kawsay’s monitoring of the forest is essential in continuing to prevent illegal activities in Madre de Dios. Their Approach Kawsay’s approach to the conservation of the natural wonders of Peru is multi-faceted, with a focus on research. Their practices include: Management of the forest through patrolling and surveillance Training local and international student, providing them with the opportunity to learn about the forest and do their own research under the guidance of our experienced biologists Promoting research, with a current focus on the Black-faced spider monkey. In the last year, 9 new species were discovered at the Kawsay Biological Station. Why They Need Your Help Kawsay’s research and forest monitoring work is reliant upon donations to continue. Every year, 12-24 local students are selected to be trained at Kawsay. Your donation directly contributes to the preservation of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and all the species that call it home.
Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar (GERP)
GERP Partner Snapshot Partner Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar (GERP) Location Madagascar, Africa Category Ecotourism Reforestation Scientific Research Urgent Appeals Lemurs! Our Treasure Needs Your Help Date Founded 1994 Website www.association-gerp.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About GERP Groupe d’Etude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar (GERP) was formed by a group of 10 Malagasy primatologists highly dedicated to wildlife conservation. GERP has grown to now have over 111 members, comprised of researchers, teachers, students, founding members, donors, and consultants. The main goal of GERP is to share knowledge and skills in order to preserve biodiversity for future generations. GERP’s project framework is divided into four sectors: Research and Conservation, Community Health, Livelihood Development, and Education. Their Challenges GERP carries out its mission in the face of several significant challenges. Habitat destruction, driven by deforestation, mining, and agriculture, poses a constant threat. Additionally, lemurs face risks from illegal wildlife trade and poaching. Engaging with local communities and addressing economic and social factors, such as poverty, is crucial but challenging, as it involves building sustainable relationships and providing alternative livelihoods. Securing funding for research, projects, and community initiatives, all of which can be resource-intensive, is another hurdle. Furthermore, climate change’s impact on lemur habitats is a growing concern that GERP’s research and initiatives are working to address. Their Approach GERP takes a multi-faceted approach to their conservation work, with focuses on the following areas: Research and Monitoring: GERP conducts extensive research on lemur behavior, ecology, and population dynamics. This research helps us understand the specific needs of different lemur species and their habitats. Habitat Protection: The organization is actively involved in protecting and preserving the natural habitats of lemurs. This includes collaborating with local communities and advocating for conservation areas and protected reserves. GERP also actively conducts patrols and reforestation projects to conserve and rewild Madagascar’s natural habitats. Community Engagement: GERP works closely with local communities, understanding their needs and involving them in conservation efforts. This includes identifying the need for and providing alternative livelihoods and sustainable income-generating projects that reduce reliance on activities harmful to lemur habitats. Education and Outreach: GERP runs education and awareness campaigns to inform the public, both locally and internationally, about the importance of lemurs and biodiversity in Madagascar. Advocacy and Policy: GERP actively engages with policymakers and stakeholders to influence and implement conservation-friendly policies and regulations. Climate Resilience: GERP addresses climate change impacts by promoting sustainable land management practices and helping communities adapt to changing environmental conditions. Scientific Capacity Building: The organization trains and supports local researchers and conservationists, contributing to the scientific knowledge of Madagascar’s biodiversity. Why They Need Your Help For 25 years, GERP has worked for the protection of lemurs. They believe that the preservation of these endemic species is the responsibility of everyone and that people protect only what they know. For this reason, education and sensitization are essential parts of GERP’s conservation program. As there is still much to discover and learn about lemurs, GERP carries out continuous research, inventories, and participates in national and international conferences to share findings. They do extensive conservation and sustainable community development work. All of GERP’s projects depend upon donations to continue long into the future.
Fundación ProAves
Fundación ProAves Partner Snapshot Partner Fundación ProAves Location Colombia, Latin America Category Endangered Species Land Purchases Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Save Colombia’s Chocó Rainforest Date Founded 1998 Website www.proaves.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Fundación ProAves The Fundación ProAves was hatched 25 years ago by a group of Colombian conservationists desperate to save the Yellow-eared parrot from the brink of extinction. They succeeded in what is widely considered one of the greatest species revivals ever documented. Inspired by this new hope, ProAves expanded its efforts to save other globally threatened species, especially birds and amphibians throughout Colombia, by means of research, innovative conservation actions, and community outreach. ProAves is the leading national conservation non-profit in Colombia, which is one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth. ProAves is active across all major biomes and regions of Colombia and manages 28 Nature Reserves in critical biodiversity hotspots, permanently protecting the homes of countless endangered species and unique habitats. The passion and commitment to conservation shown by the ProAves family is nurtured by alliances and collaboration with local and indigenous communities, with whom they work to save biodiversity. The mission of Fundación ProAves is to protect birds and biodiversity in Colombia through research, specific conservation actions, and outreach with the community. Their Challenges Colombia is home to an astounding diversity of landscapes, included a vast area of the Amazon, the glacier-capped mountains of the Andes, mangroves along the Pacific Coast, vast stretches of the Caribbean Sea, and the open savanna of the Orinoco River basin—combined, these habitats hold some of the greatest biological diversity on the planet. In fact, Colombia is second only to Brazil as the most “megadiverse” country on earth, hosting over 10% of the planet’s biodiversity. Worldwide, it ranks first in bird and orchid species diversity and second in plants, butterflies, freshwater fishes, and amphibians. Tragically, Colombia currently faces multiple major threats to its once-vast forest landscapes. The instability from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis allowed unscrupulous persons to invade protected areas and exploit natural resources as government entities struggled to respond. Combining this with the 2016 peace process that sparked a tsunami of natural resource exploitation and colonization, deforestation rates are skyrocketing to some of the highest worldwide. The unprecedented exploitation of Colombia’s natural treasures has decimated vital habitats necessary for the survival of many unique and range-restricted species. ProAves has scaled up their actions to stop deforestation. They continue to face mounting challenges but will continue to fight to save precious wildlife and habitats across Colombia. Their Approach ProAves conservation approach is built on 25 years of effective science-based, laser-focused biodiversity conservation action. Their tried and tested field experience has led to some of the most successful conservation impacts and outcomes in Latin America. Their objectives include: Targeted Research in Search of Conservation Solutions: Locating priority areas for endangered species, increasing knowledge of threats to those species, designing conservation actions that address those threats, and establishing conservation strategies for Colombia. Direct Conservation Action: Implementing science-based action plans and strategies to save endangered species and sites. This includes establishing new Protected Areas, improving and strengthening reserve management plans, and promoting policies for the protection and conservation of biodiversity and their habitats. Community Outreach: Working with local people is key to ensuring conservation actions survive in the long term. ProAves prioritizes environmental education for youth and helps provide communities with knowledge and skills to sustainably benefit from nature, such as ecotourism training and maintaining traditional knowledge and practices. ProAves Reserves are not islands of biodiversity, but are instead interactive nodes of conservation within the larger landscape. ProAves makes a concerted effort to work with and educate the community through campaigns, workshops, and capacity building. A clear example of these actions is at the El Paujíl ProAves Reserve, where direct conservation and environmental education carried out to save the Critically Endangered Blue-billed curassow resulted in a ban on hunting this turkey-sized bird. Consequently, the population density of the curassow has increased from 3.1 individuals per km2 in 2004 to over 8.4 individuals per km2 in 2020. This significant population increase shows the importance of the protected areas and working with the community. Why They Need Your Help Your donation to ProAves will help them to: Save more than 12% of all bird species on the planet (1,337 bird species in ProAves reserves) Protect in perpetuity more than 160,600 acres of crucial wildlife habitat across Colombia that contains an estimated 10% of all flora and fauna species on Earth Support over 70 conservationists dedicated to protecting Colombia’s wonderful wildlife
Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association (ADOPTA)
Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association Partner Snapshot Partner Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association (ADOPTA) Location Panama, Latin America Category Reforestation Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Support Panama’s Ecosystem Date Founded 2004 Website adoptabosque.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association ADOPTA is a non-profit organization in Panama that works to identify areas with exceptional biodiversity that lack any legal conservation status. They then work to guarantee the protection of these areas. Its primary project is the Cerro Chucanti Private Nature Reserve, where Cerro Chucantí is the tallest peak in the Majé mountain range, rising some 5,000 ft above the surrounding isolated temperate cloud forest. This isolation has allowed endemism to flourish, resulting in over a hundred endemic taxa, many of which are not found anywhere else on Earth. The San Bartolo Private Nature Reserve, bordering Costa Rica in Western Panama, is a rainforest located in the upper watershed of the San Bartolo River that constitutes some of the last remnants of lowland Pacific rainforest of western Panama. It presents high similarities with wildlife otherwise restricted to extreme southeastern Costa Rica, including the biodiverse Osa Peninsula. Their Challenges Panama faces several environmental challenges, including ongoing deforestation and degradation. Many species are losing habitat at an unsustainable rate. The illegal wildlife trafficking trade is another major threat faced by Panama’s wildlife. Their Approach ADOPTA has expanded the Cerro Chucantí Private Nature Reserve, discovered new species, and safeguarded critical habitats. The recently acquired San Bartolo Private Nature Reserve preserves the last remnants of lowland Pacific rainforest and fosters biodiversity akin to the biodiverse Osa Peninsula. Why They Need Your Help ADOPTA seeks support to be able to continue land purchases, monitor wildlife, support local indigenous interns, and cover operational costs of education programs. Support is especially needed to cover the maintenance costs of the field stations within the nature reserves, salaries for the reserve staff, travel costs to the remote areas where they work, and vehicle maintenance. By donating, you play a vital role in preserving the unique ecosystems of Panama and the remarkable species that inhabit them.