Against all odds, deforestation in Madagascar’s Menabe Antimena is coming to a halt
Despite its legally protected status, Menabe Antimena has suffered tremendous losses from illegal logging and the converting of its forests into agricultural farmland. Since 2001, deforestation rates skyrocketed year after year, reaching over 6.5% annual losses between 2017-19. By 2020, only one quarter of Menabe Antimena’s forests remained, and scientists predicted that nothing would remain of Menabe Antimena by 2035. In 2020, Conservation Allies, in collaboration with our Malagasy Partner, Association Fanamby, initiated intensified protective measures by employing Green Brigades— patrols staffed with rangers and law enforcement officers. We accelerated protective efforts and sustainable livelihood projects (alongside Hempel Foundation, FAPBM, and USAID) within the surrounding local community. These intensified conservation efforts paid off, with annual deforestation decreasing almost five-fold down to 1.4% between 2020-22, a notoriously difficult period for conservation due to the global pandemic. 2023 was expected to be the most challenging year, with tumultuous national elections and an El Nino event that increased the likelihood of fires and drought. Bracing for the worst, we supported Association Fanamby in facilitating even more Green Brigades to further expand strict enforcement of conservation laws in the Protected Area. As we end 2023, we are thrilled to report that these efforts have been immensely successful, with an overall deforestation rate of just 0.1%— the lowest ever. 2023’s encouraging results stand as an example, highlighting the ability of strong, community-based protective measures alongside local livelihood support to dramatically reverse habitat loss. This positive outcome is thanks to our many Conservation Allies supporters that have allowed us to expand protection in Menabe Antimena, an area of global biodiversity importance. We will continue to sustain Green Brigades and aim to further expand protections in 2024.
Conservation Drones take off across Madagascar to save Protected Areas
In November 2023, the Conservation Allies team hosted a conservation drone training course near Andasibe National Park, in central eastern Madagascar. The Patrol team leaders of 11 Malagasy conservation organizations participated in the training. As these members are on the frontlines of protecting Madagascar’s most important Parks and Reserves, the training they received during this course will be immediately put into action. 13 Sophisticated conservation drones deployed 11 Partner organizations trained 1/3 of all Madagascar’s Protected Areas receiving increased protection The use of drones in science has exploded in the last 10 years, revolutionizing the way that conservation projects and protected areas are monitored. They offer us a way to view areas that would otherwise be out of reach, while reducing time and labor expenditure, as well as disturbances to wildlife. Unfortunately, conservation technology is still less accessible to those in the Global South, which is why we are stepping in. Conservation Allies transported 13 highly sophisticated conservation drones to our conservation Partners in Madagascar. These drones will be used in aerial surveillance, allowing patrol teams to locate and document illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and starting wildfires. Drone patrols allow for rapid fire detection inside the forest, as they can scan for smoke much more effectively and efficiently than a ground patrol. Furthermore, drones increase safety in the field for conservationists in high-conflict areas by allowing patrollers to scan areas before physically reaching them, making the team much more equipped to avoid ambush. “I was scared the first time I used the drone. It was my first time. As I practiced during the training, I acquired the knowledge necessary to master the drone. We are really thankful for Conservation Allies’ training.” Jean Luc, Madagascar Wildlife Conservation at Lake Alaotra Conservation Allies currently supports 42 partners working to patrol and protect 51 Protected Areas across Madagascar— this translates to almost ⅓ of the country’s Protected Areas now receiving greatly enhanced protection. Conservation Allies strategically funds Green brigades, collaborative teams of rangers and local authorities working across parks and reserves to confront the greatest challenges and existential threats to Madagascar’s wildlife. Many of these Protected Areas host irreplaceable biodiversity, including species found nowhere else in the world. The drone training course was also an opportunity for each of our Malagasy Partners to come together and collaborate on solutions to challenges in patrolling Madagascar’s Protected Areas. By joining forces, many Partners were able to identify ways in which they can continue to improve their conservation strategies, inspiring all participants to continue on with the difficult, demanding, and enormously rewarding work of saving the biodiversity of Madagascar.
The Relationship Between Local Conservation Organizations and International NGOs (And How To Make It More Equitable)
A recent study showed that while the support that international NGOs are able to provide to local conservation organizations is critical, the relationship between these nonprofits can be unfair. Specific steps should be taken to ensure local conservation organizations maintain influence over the conservation strategies that affect their lands. In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness within conservation science of the critical importance that local conservation organizations play in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. Studies have shown that conservation and local livelihood improvements are much more successful when local community members are the environmental stewards of their area. In light of this, international conservation organizations have begun to invest more heavily in partnerships with local conservation organizations that are often-times based in the Global South. The Problem Local conservation organizations frequently face significant obstacles in securing adequate funding for their work, whereas international conservation organizations are able to tap into the financial capital of the Global North and thus are afforded much higher fundraising capacities. Partnerships between international and local conservation organization are very important as they allow the international organization to provide the locally based organization with funding, technical assistance, and additional support. “After years of struggling, our efforts to save the Fossa have reached a global audience thanks to Conservation Allies.” Solonantenaina RandriamparanyPresident, Fikambanana Fosa However, these partnerships are not always idealistic. According to a report by nonprofit organization Maliasili, 77% of local conservation organizations indicated that partnerships with international conservation organizations presented significant barriers to their work. Often times, these struggles arise when international conservation organizations provide funding to local conservation organizations for specific projects without involving the local NGO in the decision-making or design of these projects. Local NGOs have expressed their frustrations with this model, as they are seeking true partnerships rather than dictatorships. Access to funding should not determine how much influence an organization has over conservation decisions as this will only decrease global equity and conservation efficacy. The Solution Optimal conservation outcomes are realized when the relationship between local and international conservation NGOs are built upon shared values and strategies, respect, and recognition. Problems can arise when international conservation NGOs lack respect for local conservation knowledge and fund projects that don’t align with the agendas of the local conservation NGOs. Ultimately, due to the difficulty that local conservation NGOs face in raising funds for their work, there is a power imbalance that must be acknowledged and accounted for in order for partnerships to be fair and highly effective. As a small, international conservation NGO, forming and maintaining partnerships with local conservation NGOs that are fair, meaningful, and equitable is the foundation of our work at Conservation Allies. We reduce administrative requirements as much as possible for our Partners, as excessive administrative and bureaucratic practices have been shown to reduce equity and access, particularly for smaller conservation NGOs. We carefully vet all of our Partners to ensure that their work aligns with our mission of conserving the remaining wildlife in the world’s biodiversity hotspots. We then provide support for the work that our Partners are doing, allowing them to expand and improve upon their biodiversity conservation and sustainable development projects. By supporting our Partners in raising funds for the projects that they deem need the most support, we have formed highly-effective partnerships that have a strong foundation of trust, respect, and equity. “Our partnership with Conservation Allies is a game-changer – they really care about what we do.” Sara Ines LaraExecutive Director, ProAves Foundation It is imperative that international NGOs allow local conservation nonprofits to maintain autonomy over their work. We are enormously proud of the work that our Partners are doing for biodiversity conservation around the globe and we value the long-lasting, trusting relationship we have been able to build with them.
The Traveling Bus Bringing Conservation to Kids Across Rural Colombia
While Colombia teeters on the edge of losing many of its endemic species forever, an eclectic Chiva bus is bringing environmental education to the country’s rural schools. The RanaChiva (Spanish for Frog Bus), is just about to complete its first full year of bringing environmental education to kids in rural Colombia who would otherwise not have access to lessons on nature, wildlife, and conservation. Managed by ProAves Foundation, the RanaChiva embarked on its first journey on September 12, 2022, and has since visited 50 schools and over 7,000 students. Rural schools in Colombia face many challenges and are often lacking in supplies, adequate infrastructure, and a diverse curriculum. Through the RanaChiva, ProAves is providing a solution to the lack of environmental education available to kids in rural areas. Environmental education is a critical piece of the puzzle in resolving the climate and biodiversity crises of today. In addition to the obvious benefits to the natural world that environmental education creates, it has also been shown to increase overall academic achievement, critical thinking, civic engagement, and personal growth, thus lessening the perpetuation of regional inequalities by reducing early drop-out rates. The RanaChiva was initially created to save three Critically Endangered species from extinction (the Colombian oak, Lynch’s Colombian tree frog, and the Colombian mountain grackle). While this remains the focus of the program, the project has since grown to incorporate more species and environmental issues into its teachings. From bumper to bumper, the RanaChiva is covered in vibrant traditional and indigenous artwork. Excited to be receiving a visit from such a colorfully eclectic bus (and its human-sized blow-up grackle on the hood), the local children engage enthusiastically with the RanaChiva and the lessons it brings. The RanaChiva represents Colombian culture from its roots. We think about the representative symbols of the indigenous culture of Colombia, the different ethnicities, and pre-Columbian designs and incorporate them into the RanaChiva, which has allowed people to identify themselves in it and feel more comfortable participating in the project. Isabella Cortés Lara, Creative Director of ProAves Foundation Once the RanaChiva reaches its destination, sometimes having traveled through treacherous or unpaved roads for hours on end, the fun begins. ProAves conservationists give engaging classes inside the bus using props, a projector screen, and illustrated books on wildlife. Additional activities take place outside of the bus, such as “Jump Like A Frog” (a sac-hopping race) with the goal of making learning about environmentalism fun, engaging, and memorable. The RanaChiva has been extremely well-received by the members of the local communities it has visited so far. Many of the children have been introduced to animals they had never heard of before, sparking the desire to protect the biodiversity and natural wonders of their country, now and into the future. Want to help the RanaChiva reach more schools? You can support ProAves by visiting their page and making a donation.
The Ultimate Conservation Allies Donation Guide: Find The Right Cause For You
While most NGOs collect donations into a general pool, our donation model allows you to decide exactly where you want your money to go. We have 27 Conservation Partners throughout Madagascar and Latin America, each working on unique projects to conserve their area’s biodiversity. We want you to be able to find the Partner and cause that you feel most connected with so that you can feel great about your decision to donate. Note: As our administrative costs are completely covered by our board members, 100% of your donation goes to your chosen Partner or Appeal. Plus, donations are being DOUBLED up to $7,5000 per Partner by our board until December 31, 2023. That means for every dollar you donate, TWO dollars are being sent to the cause of your choice. Individual donations must be under $2,000 to be matched. What’s the difference: Partners vs Urgent Appeals Partners Each of our Partners is a vetted conservation non-profit organization that has proven themselves to be highly effective. By donating to a Partner, you are gifting into their general fund and allowing them to use that money where it is most needed. A list of our Partners can be found here. Click on any Partners logo to read more about their story and work. Conservation Allies has been catalytic in helping us save one of the most biologically import tropical forests. Dr. Randrianjafizanaka, Regional Director of Association Fanamby Urgent Appeals Several of our Partners are urgently fundraising for a specific cause, such as the purchase of an at-risk section of rainforest, or increasing patrols against wildlife crime in the habitat of a critically endangered species. These are referred to as Urgent Appeals and can be found here. Click on any Appeal photo to learn more about the project. Meet Our Partners: Madagascar Antrema Miray Antrema Miray accelerates sustainable development, and the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage in Antrema, an area over 50,000 acres and including 2,500 acres of marine reserve. The conservation of this area is extremely meaningful from both biodiversity and cultural perspectives. Antrema Miray collaborates with local communities to acheive their conservation goals, providing environmental education, social and sustainable development support, and wildlife conflict resolution. ASITY Madagascar ASITY conserves the biodiversity of Madagascar through sustainable development and community education, monitoring, and target-species research. They manage four Protected Areas: The Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetlands Complex, the Mangoky-Ihotry Wetlands Complex, the extensive lowland forest of Tsitongambarika, and the 24,760 acres of Torotorofotsy wetlands. ASITY palces a strong emphasis on the sustainable management of biodiversity in collaboration with communities. Association Analasoa Association Analasoa manages the conservation of Tsimanampesotse, an areas containing an exceptionally high number of endemic species and considered to be one of the world’s highest conservation priorities. They manage a variety of conservation and sustainable development programs, including empower local communities to shift their understanding of conservation, managing educational nurseries, implementing capacity-building programs, and much more. Association Fanamby Created to ensure the sustainable management of protected landscapes and seascapes in Madagascar, Fanamby plays a critical role in conserving and restoring over 1.3 million acres across Madagascar. They pioneer nature-based businesses, such as ecotourism, to promote biodiversity conservation. They also support farmer cooperatives, connecting international buyers to local farmers, as well as manage reforestation projects, community environmental education, and protected area patrols. Association Mitsinjo Founded and run by the local community, Association Mitsinjo manages the conservation of Analamazaotra Forest Station, a nature reserve 2,896 acres in size. All of their projects are community-based ad tackle a variety of challenges, including reforestation, environmental education, sustainable development, and wildlife conservation. Fikambanana Bongolava Maitso Fikambanana Bongolava Maitso is largely run by farmers living around the Bongolava Forest Corridor Protected Area in Madagascar. They are reducing the poverty rate in rural areas through biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and community involvement. FOSA Association The FOSA Association is a young organizations mainly run by local residents that is accelerating wildlife conservation within Ankarafantsika National Park. They have also created women’s associations, which is unique, as women are oftentimes not included in conservation initiatives in Madagascar. GERP (Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar) GERP is a leader in Madagascar primate conservation and focuses their efforts into four sectors: Research and Conservation, Community Health and Engagement, Livelihood Development, and Education. They have been protecting lemurs for over 25 years by actively working to preserve lemur habitat, creating sustainable development solutions, and advancing research on lemur behavior, ecology, and population dynamics. IMPACT Madagascar IMPACT Madagascar is implementing and sustaining actions for change that will benefit and empower local communities. From development and biodiversity conservation to recycling and arts education, they sponsor a variety of projects that will aid in building a bright and sustainable future for the people and wildlife of Madagascar. They work to conserve Madagascar’s unique biodiversity while improving the lives of people. Lemur Conservation Foundation Dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar, The Lemur Conservation Foundation manages several conservation initiatives, including managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. They have a home-base in Florida, where about 50 lemurs live in their natural forest enclosures to safeguard against extinction, and they also do extensive conservation monitoring, reforestation, and sustainable development work on the ground in Madagascar. Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership operates in four unique regions across Madagascar to conserve the at-risk wildlife species of Madagascar. They manage a variety of conservation projects, with an emphasis on sustainable community development and reforestation— they have planted over 6 million indigenous trees since 2012. Madagascar Wildlife Conservation Madagascar Wildlife Conservation is leading conservation in the Alaotra Lake area 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. Madagasikara Voakajy About Madagasikara Voakajy
Meet the women protecting the endangered forests of Madagascar
Women in the Menabe region of Madagascar are joining the growing national conservation movement. Traditionally, women have been excluded from conservation work, but that is starting to change. Menabe Antimena is a protected area that runs along the west coast of Madagascar, spanning landscapes of giant baobabs, salt-water mangroves, and expansive wetlands. This incredibly diverse area is home to some of the world’s most unique and threatened animals, including the Hawksbill turtle, Verreaux’s Sifaka, and Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur. With its primary feature being dry forests, Menabe Antimena has suffered significantly due to deforestation. 52% of Menabe forests were destroyed between 1985 and 2000, and this trend has continued to present-day, with 7% of the protected area being lost in 2017 alone. The main threat to Menabe Antimena today is deforestation caused by fires, which are further exacerbated by the extreme drought the country is facing. As Madagascar has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, the Malagasy people are in a desperate situation. Famine, drought, and a lack of economic opportunities force people to leave their homes in search of new agricultural areas. Through fire, people clear the forest cover to convert previously wild areas into corn and peanut plantations, which is having disastrous consequences for the wildlife of the island. Furthermore, corruption in the government is making matters worse. Government officials are reportedly selling natural resources taken illegally from the forests for their own profit. If these trends continue, it is possible Menabe Antimena will disappear entirely by 2050. However, the increased conservation efforts that began in 2022 from a variety of groups in Madagascar is shining hope on this situation, making the preservation of Menabe Antimena seem more possible than ever before. Our Conservation Partner, Association Fanamby, is working closely with members of a local conservation group known as KMMFA (Komity Manokana Miaro ny Faritra Arovana, which translates to The Special Committee to Conserve Protected Areas). KMMFA members are locals with a deep understanding of the land and the cultures of the area. Traditionally, women have been excluded from conservation work in Madagascar, but KMMFA is unique in that many of its members are women. In recent years, we have begun to see more and more women of Madagascar participating in and leading critical conservation work, giving us increased hope for the future. KMMFA members act as rangers of Menabe Antimena, patrolling the region and reporting illegal activities to Association Fanamby, who will then work alongside local authorities to take action. Increased patrols have been absolutely critical to improving the conservation strategy of this area. Since 2017, there have been no more fires in the area, largely due to the collaborative work of KMMFA and Fanamby. KMMFA members also help manage indigenous tree nurseries, where they care for thousands of seedling trees. They then plant the young trees around the protected area, beginning the restoration of the lost forests of Menabe Antimena. Several organizations, including Conservation Allies and our Madagascar Partners, as well as USAID Mikajy, are working to provide alternative, sustainable forms of income in Madagascar. This is an essential piece of the conservation puzzle, as without an alternative way to support themselves and their families, local people will be left will little other choice than to continue to destroy the last remaining wild habitats of Madagascar in search of food and income. By combining reforestation efforts, regular patrols, increasing access to conservation technology, and sustainable development solutions, Menabe Antimena, and the wildlife that lives there, can still be saved. You can become a critical part of the safeguarding of this unique biodiversity hotspot, and together with our conservation partners in Madagascar, we will continue to fight for a bright future in Menabe Antimena.
A Major Conservation Discovery is Made in one of Madagascar’s Oldest National Park
In 1927, Ankarafantsika National Park received its official designation as one of Madagascar’s first protected areas. The 418,000 acre park is located on a spectacular escarpment that protects one of the last remaining expanses of tropical forest in northwest Madagascar. It is home to many unique species found nowhere else on earth, like the Long-tailed big-footed mouse and the Mongoose lemur. Importantly, the National Park is a vital water source that supplies freshwater to some of the most productive agricultural lands in the country, the rice paddies that surround the park. Despite the global importance of Ankarafantsika for biodiversity and agriculture, the National Park has been destroyed at an unprecedented rate. Approaching its 100 year anniversary as a protected area, over 227,800 acres of forest have been destroyed (76,100 acres in just the past two decades), while 190,700 acres remain at immense risk of wildfires given the increasingly longer dry seasons and illegal activities. Recognizing the severity of the situation, several local and international NGOs have rallied to the crisis at Ankarafantsika National Park, initiating fire watches and rapid response “Green Brigades” composed of Park staff, the local community, police officers, and national military to constantly patrol the park, apprehend arsonists, and put out fires. It was believed that the fires were being set to clear forest for the local cattle (zebu), though patrollers noticed they rarely encountered zebu inside the park. Recently, a patrol led by the Fosa Association and Conservation Allies made a startling discovery during a field mission to evaluate the Ankarafantsika forest. The goal was to understand the possible origins of over 240 fires and 545 deforestation alerts that were reported between October 1-31, 2023 by Global Forest Watch and to capture the arsonists responsible for the degradation of the park. Madagascar Conservation Officer at Conservation Allies, Manitra Rajaonarison, noted, “We walked an average of six hours each day to reach some of the areas most impacted by fires. Once on site, our drone was deployed and used to survey the extent of the damage and search for arsonists over a wide area. During one reconnaissance flight, the drone located a major illegal campsite hidden in a vast Raffia palm forest.” Raffia palms have the world’s longest leaves, reaching over 80 feet long and 9 feet wide. They are the source for raffia fibers, which are woven to create rope and textiles, such as decorative mats, baskets, hats and shoes. The harvesting of raffia leaves is very lucrative, particularly for international export. Manitra added, “Typically, patrollers would head directly to where fires were spreading and try to put them out, but patrollers did not know who was setting the fires. At first we thought that the illegal Raffia palm collectors were not the source of fires, but we quickly realized that they were setting numerous fires to distract and divert the patrol teams away from their illegal activities.” Further aerial drone surveillance and on-foot surveys by Manitra and the team uncovered a pattern of fires set 1-2 km away from illegal Raffia palm collecting camps. Finally, we have uncovered the principal threat to Ankarafantsika National Park and can redirect and intensify our efforts to protect the forest. With patrols targeted at the Raffia arsonists, what remains of the park can be saved. We are more hopeful than ever that by 2027, Ankarafantsika’s 100th anniversary, significant progress towards successfully protecting and restoring Ankarafantsika National Park will have been made.
