Madagascar Wildlife Conservation
About us
Since 2003, Madagascar Wildlife Conservation implements a variety of projects in the Lake Alaotra region to balance conservation and development. Our mission is to support local initiatives to ensure the survival of the Critically Endangered Alaotra bamboo lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis).
Our work
We implement projects in biodiversity conservation, environmental education, sustainable resource use, and ecotourism, as well as research activities.
Our conservation activities encompass restoration and monitoring in Park Bandro to detect fires and other illegal activities and infractions. In addition, we do regular training for the local AGBA guides and patrols for protecting this Special Conservation Zone within the Lake Alaotra Protected Area that hosts the biggest subpopulation of Hapalemur alaotrensis.
Our environmental education program in the public primary schools (EPP) of the Alaotra region uses the locally developed comic book AROVY FA HARENA to learn about, take interest in, and ultimately understand and value the local environment, its biodiversity, and feedback loops. Teachers are trained and supplied with background information and supportive educational material for the different conservation issues addressed in the nine chapters. Visits to Park Bandro, where school children can experience the Alaotra gentle lemurs in their natural habitat, are also part of the program.
Through a participatory process, we developed a game for adult resource users called WEdu (Wetland Education) that allows users to find out about ecosystem interlinkages and to test management options.
We also promote the creation of alternative revenue sources. Water hyacinth is an invasive plant species that is covering large areas of the lake’s surface, therefore harming the local flora, fauna, and the human population. We initiated the production of fertilizer from composted water hyacinth as well as handicrafts (e.g. baskets, placemats) for selling at local markets. Our ecotourism project Camp Bandro was also initiated to develop alternative incomes and was successfully transferred to the local association ACBA in 2019.
Our research activities aim to close the researcher-practitioner divide by addressing research questions that are relevant to organizations and individuals on the ground, aiming to bring knowledge and benefits for conservation and development.
