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IMPACT PROMISE 
Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact
Appeal Snapshot
Partner:
Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar (GERP)
Location:
Madagascar, Africa
Category:
- Ecotourism
- Reforestation
- Scientific Research
Urgent Appeals:
Date Founded:
1994
Website:
Partner Qualifications:
Verified PartnerOne of Conservation Allies' staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact.
Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin.
Effective ImpactWe 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 HeroesWe 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.
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.