Igniting Change: Saving Madagascar’s Ankarafantsika National Park
In 2023, a pivotal year for Ankarafantsika National Park in Madagascar, the landscape of forest conservation began to shift. Facing formidable challenges such as fires, deforestation, and poaching, the primarily deciduous dry forests of Ankarafantsika found hope in the form of local conservation organization FOSA Association. The recent success of FOSA underscores the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in saving vital ecosystems like Ankarafantsika. Ankarafantsika National Park has long suffered from rampant wildfires (started by humans), selective logging, illegal palm frond collecting, and agricultural expansion. It is home to hundreds of endemic and threatened species, including the Critically Endangered Coquerel’s Sifaka. Amidst the pressures faced by Ankarafantsika’s wildlife, collaborative efforts between FOSA and key organizations including Madagascar National Park (MNP), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust , and Planet Madagascar have begun yielding promising results for forest conservation of the area. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and multi-faceted strategy to address the diverse array of threats facing Ankarafantsika’s forests. FOSA’s origins are forged from 25 years of research and conservation efforts by the local community around Ankarafantsika National Park under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Luke Dollar of Catawba College, and with the support of Conservation Allies. FOSA is driven by local residents who care about their National Park, showcasing a unique blend of grassroots activism, science-based conservation actions, and strategic partnerships. FOSA originally focused on research and monitoring of the unique and highly threatened Fossa (locally known as “Fosa”) which is the largest mammalian carnivore on Madagascar and looks like a small cougar, led by Prof. Dollar. The association has expanded its scope to incorporate research, education, and patrols, including the establishment of women’s associations, a notable inclusion in Madagascar’s conservation landscape. With a primary emphasis on wildlife conservation, FOSA collaborates closely with MNP to combat threats such as forest fires, illegal logging, and habitat destruction. Their approach is characterized by intimate knowledge of the land, proactive patrolling efforts, youth engagement, and community outreach initiatives. Utilizing new technologies, including conservation drones and real-time satellite reports of deforestation and fires, FOSA and Conservation Allies staff identified the origin of wildfires that were ravaging the area. By using data analysis to improve patrol techniques, FOSA has been able to identify and apprehend more illegal activities within the Ankarafantsika, leading to significant progress in curtailing logging, wildlife poaching, and other abuses of nature. FOSA has led a majority of the forest patrols in Ankarafantsika since 2022, positioning them as the major force defending the National Park. The effectiveness of FOSA’s forest patrols has greatly strengthened protective efforts of the Park and assisted MNP and other entities. FOSA’s nimbleness and community-led approach have enabled them to overcome challenges, allowing them to make swift and tangible progress in Ankarafantsika’s forest conservation. A notable shift observed in 2023 was the growing sense of respect local community members showed towards FOSA’s forest patrol teams. Their work has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among locals for forest conservation. Additionally, the simple fact that FOSA is present in the area has begun to noticeably deter people from engaging in illegal activities that previously often went unchecked. FOSA has become an example of what a community-based approach to conservation can achieve for National Parks. Their work has encouraged collaboration amongst other conservation non profits, innovation, and community engagement to safeguard the precious forest ecosystem of Ankarafantsika for future generations. By building on the successes of FOSA, Ankarafantsika stands poised to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience in the global fight for forest conservation.
Preserving Paradise: New Protection for Colombia’s Enigmatic Yellow-eared parrot
In a remarkable achievement for conservation, a new sanctuary has been established in central Colombia, marking a turning point in the fate of the once critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot. The Loros Andinos Regional Natural Park, recently declared by Conservation Allies partner ProAves Foundation and the regional environmental corporation CORTOLIMA, represents the cradle of the parrot’s spectacular recovery. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Yellow-eared Parrot thrived across the Colombian Andes. However, by the 1980s, relentless hunting and the logging of Quindío Wax Palms, the parrots’ primary habitat, for Palm Sunday rituals had brought both the parrot and the palm to the brink of extinction. In fact, the parrot was thought to be extinct until 1999, when ProAves Foundation launched an emergency campaign, led by Conservation Allies President Paul Salaman, to locate and protect any remaining Yellow-eared Parrot population. Their discovery of the last remaining flock in Roncesvalles, Tolima, marked the beginning of a concerted effort to address threats and bolster the population, which had dwindled to just 81 individuals. Central to the species’ recovery was the acquisition of private cattle farms in the parrot’s core breeding area. Establishing a protected sanctuary ensured safe nesting and breeding grounds, crucial for population growth. Recognizing the importance of this sanctuary, the regional environmental corporation CORTOLIMA declared the 11,406-acre area as the Loros Andinos Regional Natural Park, formally protecting the unique cloud forest and alpine tundra habitats in the Colombian Andes. The declaration of the Loros Andinos Regional Natural Park was made possible through collaboration with various organizations, including Conservation International, American Bird Conservancy, and ASOCARS. This milestone sets the stage for further declarations of ProAves Natural Reserves, crucial for protecting Colombia’s rich biodiversity. “ProAves is immensely proud to have helped CORTOLIMA declare the Loros Andinos Regional Natural Park on 26th December 2023 that safeguards the Quindío Wax Palm and the site that ensured the survival of the wonderful Yellow-eared Parrot. After 25 years, the Yellow-eared Parrot population exceeds 3,500 individuals and thanks to this Park today, this parrot is no longer considered at risk of extinction.” Sara Inés, Executive Director of ProAves Foundation In addition to the Yellow-eared Parrot, the park also safeguards habitat for other threatened species, including Fuertes’s Parrot, the Rufous-fronted Parakeet, the Golden-plumed Parakeet, and the Rusty-faced Parrot. Additionally, it preserves a diverse range of flora and fauna endemic to Colombia’s Central Cordillera. Over the past 25 years, the ProAves team faced numerous challenges and tragedies in their work to protect the Yellow-eared parrot, including the loss of ranger Gonzalo Cardonas, who was murdered defending the species. In light of such sacrifices, the permanent protection of the Loros Andinos Regional Natural Park stands as a beacon of hope in the fight to conserve endangered species. In a time where many species face uncertain futures, the recovery of the Yellow-eared Parrot in Colombia serves as a testament to the impact of dedicated conservation efforts. The establishment of the Loros Andinos Regional Natural Park highlights the potential to make a difference in preserving biodiversity, even in the face of great adversity.
The Crucial Role of Wildlife and Biodiversity in Mitigating Climate Change
The biodiversity and climate crises of today are inextricably linked. While wildlife need a healthy climate in order to thrive, the climate, too, needs biodiversity to remain balanced. In fact, wildlife removes billions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. According to a recent study, conserving biodiversity around the world leads to enhanced natural carbon capture and storage through supercharging ecosystem carbon sinks. The study found that protecting certain wild species could equate to 6.41 billion tons of additional carbon dioxide being captured per year. This alone would bring us 95% of the way to meeting the Paris Agreement targets of removing enough carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to keep global warming levels below the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. Traditionally, the mindset has been to protect wild animals from human impacts and climate change, often leading to separate climate and biodiversity conservation spaces. It is time for a paradigm shift, where we view wild animals as functionally interdependent with ecosystems and perhaps the greatest warriors in the fight against catastrophic climate change. Madagascar has been devastated by rapid deforestation and biodiversity loss. In a unique reforestation project, our partner Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership has been collecting tree seeds from the droppings of Critically Endangered Black-and-white ruffed lemurs after discovering that these seeds had higher survival rates than “unfertilized” seeds. Additionally, by planting more of the trees that lemurs show a preference for, they are restoring forests that are extra lemur-friendly, creating a regenerative natural cycle that benefits both wildlife and the climate. Similarly, in the Amazon, extensive tree clearance for agriculture, ranching, and wood and paper production has led to the degradation and devastation of forests. An unexpected ally in the task of forest rehabilitation? Tapir dung. Tapirs inhabit regions of the Amazon requiring urgent reforestation as they actually prefer to forage in degraded forests over healthier habitats. Feeding on herbs, shrubs, and nutrient-rich leaves, tapirs unintentionally sow seeds in their excrement, effectively reforesting previously burned or deforested Amazon landscapes. As elephants walk through habitats, they inadvertently tread on small invasive plant species, stomping them out and creating favorable conditions for the growth of large trees that, in turn, store significant amounts of carbon. Beyond this, elephants play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity by aiding in seed dispersal and enriching the soil with nutrients through their dung. The absence of elephant disturbance in Africa’s rainforest would result in a seven percent reduction in its carbon storage capacity. In fact, the disappearance of elephants would mean the loss of approximately three billion tons of carbon storage. Research suggests that each living elephant contributes more than $1.75 million worth of carbon-capturing services. On average, each great whale sequesters 33 tons of carbon throughout its lifetime. In the natural course of their life cycle, deceased whales contribute to the ocean’s carbon sequestration by transforming into sediment that nourishes the sea floor. Premature deaths of whales, whether due to commercial whaling, boat strikes, or other causes, deprive the ocean of a significant tool for carbon sequestration, reducing not only the deceased whales environmental impact, but also its potential future offspring’s. Phytoplankton play a crucial role in capturing approximately 40% of the global carbon dioxide produced. As whales migrate across the oceans, they leave behind waste rich in iron and nitrogen. This waste fosters an optimal environment for phytoplankton growth, contributing to a healthy ecosystem and aiding in the regulation of our climate. These are just a few examples of the ways in which wildlife contribute hugely to protecting the Earth’s climate. Through our work with conservation partners in the planet’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots, we are protecting hundreds of species and restoring millions of acres of critical wildlife habitat, leading to a healthier climate and a wilder world.
The Boy Who Traded His Gun For A Camera
In the heart of Colombia’s Department of Córdoba, there is a boy named Diego Andrés Polo Martínez, fondly known as Dieguito.
Reflecting on the Biodiversity Wins of 2023
Reflecting on the Biodiversity Wins of 2023 If we were to sum up 2023 in a single word, it would be growth. Despite being a small (and passionate!) team, we were able to make a substantial impact on biodiversity conservation worldwide, with projects stretching from Latin America to Madagascar, all thanks to your support. Our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity drives every action we take. The recent soaring inflation rates have significantly affected donations to wildlife, creating a financial hurdle that jeopardizes our efforts to protect and preserve our planet’s diverse ecosystems. With your continued support, we can navigate these turbulent times and ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in our fight to save the world’s most threatened biodiversity. We protect over 12 million acres of natural habitat in Madagascar and Latin America We support 26 Conservation Partners in the Global South (+ will be expanding in 2024!) Our board members cover our administrative costs, so 100% of your donation goes to conservation December 31st is the last day to have your donation doubled by our board members! Working with 26 Partners, this year’s stories of success are too many to list in a single article, so we’ll start by highlighting a few. In 2015, they were successful in making much of the frog’s habitat a legally Protected Area. With continued protection, the Golden mantella frog has begun to recover and is now listed as Endangered (rather than Critically Endangered). Plus, they have already cultivated 18,500 more seedling trees to start out 2024 strong. Through intensive community-based conservation, this chronically exploited biodiversity hotspot saw a five-fold decrease in deforestation in 2023, against all odds (read more…). Your dedication to nature this year made a real impact for biodiversity worldwide. Stay tuned to our email newsletter for our 2023 Impact Report, coming soon! Thank you for your unwavering support. We sincerely cherish your commitment to wildlife and wish you a fantastic New Year ahead.
Against all odds, deforestation in Madagascar’s Menabe Antimena is coming to a halt
Along the western coast of Madagascar lies an area of dry forest, succulent shrubland, and saltwater mangrove known as Menabe Antimena, an area so precious to biodiversity that it has been made a legally Protected Area. This landscape, which has evolved to sustain life through drought, is home to some of Earth’s most incredible and rare animals, including the Malagasy giant jumping rat and the Critically Endangered Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the smallest primate in the world. 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
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)
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
The Traveling Bus Bringing Conservation to Kids Across 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
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
