Solofo Rakotoarisoa
Solofo has over two decades of dedicated service in plant conservation within the unique ecosystem of Madagascar. Since 2001, he has contributed significantly to the field through roles at esteemed international institutions, including the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Specializing in the drylands of Madagascar, Solofo is known for his expertise in seed conservation and has conducted extensive systematic research on the genus Aloe of Madagascar. He is skilled in Geographic Information System (GIS) and conservation database management, having honed his skillset through his professional experience and a comprehensive study of GIS at the University of California, Davis in 2014. Additionally, Solofo earned a MSc degree in Plant Ecology from the University of Antananarivo in 2000. Solofo is an active member of the Group of Specialists of the Plant of Madagascar (GSPM) and the Society for Conservation of GIS (SCGIS) Madagascar Chapter, further solidifying his commitment to biodiversity and wildlife conservation in the region.
Dr. Audlin Velojaona Ramiandra
Dr. Audlin Velojaona Ramiandra is a conservation professional with over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, ecological monitoring, and natural resource management in Madagascar. He has managed endangered protected areas in northern and northwestern Madagascar, implementing participatory conservation strategies and innovative monitoring techniques. His collaborative work with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities has focused on biodiversity protection, fire management, and habitat conservation. Dr. Ramiandra earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, specializing in Forest Restoration and Conservation Zoology, through a partnership between the University of Mahajanga and the University of Koblenz-Landau in Germany. His Ph.D., funded by the American Museum of Natural History, explored the integrative taxonomy of the genus Furcifer, involving fieldwork in 15 protected areas and the use of advanced methodologies like cladistic systematics and principal component analysis. His research has deepened understanding of chameleon taxonomy, eco-morphology, and biogeographic conservation priorities. An expert in high-tech conservation tools, Dr. Ramiandra is certified in drone operations for environmental monitoring, GIS (QGIS), and conservation software such as SMART. He is also skilled in biostatistical analysis, enabling effective interpretation of complex ecological data to inform conservation planning and implementation. With his strong academic foundation, technical expertise, and leadership in conservation, Dr. Ramiandra is highly qualified for roles demanding innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable resource management. His work exemplifies a dedication to preserving Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.