https://madagascar.wcs.org RSS feeds for WCS Madagascar 60 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25797/When-the-reef-speaks-through-its-people.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=25797 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25797&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25797/When-the-reef-speaks-through-its-people.aspx In northwest Madagascar’s Ankivonjy MPA, coastal fishers share their coral reef stories.   The Ankivonjy Marine Protected Area (MPA), near Nosy Be, in northwest Madagascar, is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches and towering ancient volcanoes. Madagascar is home to 2% of the world’s coral reefs, which are among the most extensive, structurally varied, and biologically diverse in the Western Indian Ocean. These magnificent corals support over one thousand species of reef fish alongside 2,500 marine invertebrates. Ankivonjy is a critical nesting and feeding ground for the iconic and critically endangered hawksbill turtle. It is globally recognised by the IUCN as a Category V Protected Landscape/Seascape. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Madagascar, as the National Technical Facilitator of the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project, is working with local communities and the newly formed National Hub to ensure the survival of the climate-resilient coral reefs here and to conserve this area of outstanding marine importance. The designation of Ankivonjy MPA began in 2010 with extensive community engagement. This participatory approach continues to this day, ensuring effective and inclusive management of this vital ecosystem. In this coastal country, fishing has been a way of life for generations. Fishing and related activities support nearly 1.5 million people across the island. In September 2025, the GEF 7 CRR project led a site visit to Ankivonjy with coastal fishers as part of the ongoing community involvement in conserving the reef. At this workshop, the fishing community highlighted the importance of the reef and the visible impact of climate change. Marcel and Khaled, from the local Comité de Contrôle et de Surveillance in Marotogny, shared their insights with us. "We see four clear links between our reef and our lives. First, the coral reef is the habitat for fish, octopus, and lobsters. Second, fish come to the reef as a refuge when currents and predators are strong. Third, the reef is also food: many fish feed directly on what grows there. And fourth, the reef protects our coastlines and beaches from waves. For pressures and threats, we notice climate change through stronger winds and waves and through "ensablement" (sand shifting and smothering parts of the reef). We also recognize the impact of inappropriate fishing gear: filet kaokobe (or bamoloko), filet jarifa, and small spearguns (antsiraby). In Ankivonjy, coral health is mostly good, with less bleaching than before except near three villages: Ankatafa, Mangirankiragna, and Marotogny, where the corals have struggled. Our conclusion is simple: without the reef, there are no reef fish, no octopus, and no lobsters. These are our main food sources." Marcel and Khaled are local Community Surveillance Agents (CCS). These agents are volunteers chosen by the community who patrol and monitor fishing rules, help prevent illegal gear/use, report incidents, and support MPA/MLLA management with basic data and awareness. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Madagascar team highlighted the value of this visit with the president of the fishermen’s association in Ankivonjy and around 7 fishermen. Morgane Dierkens, focal point of the GEF CRR Project for WCS Madagascar, described the output from these meetings. “The coastal community spoke with precision and care, pointing out how the colors of the reefs have changed, how fishing grounds have shifted, how the seasons no longer follow the same rhythm. They see the signs of human pressures and the fingerprints of a changing climate in their daily lives.” Morgane added, “From these conversations, we gathered precious traditional knowledge, insights passed down through generations, that will help guide the way we care for and manage these fragile ecosystems. The fishers didn’t just share facts; they shared their perspective on the main pressures, their memories of abundance, and their hopes for future generations to be able to benefit the reef resources. For them, the reefs are not just part of the sea. They are a source of food, a foundation for their livelihoods, and a living storehouse of biodiversity. As they say: ‘No reef, no fish.” Following the national workshop and field visit, the WCS team and project stakeholders will now work side by side to weave local knowledge of coastal communities and recommendations into Madagascar’s National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation. However, despite the enthusiasm of all the partners, the project team and the National Hub face extensive logistical challenges on the ground. Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world, with approximately 5,000km of coastline and is surrounded by an Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately. 1.2 million km², more than double the land mass. Travelling across this biodiverse island presents numerous logistical challenges, as seen by the PMU team recently. With few paved roads, even short trips by car or bus can take hours — often on crowded vehicles packed with people and goods. Combined with expensive domestic air travel, these challenges make it difficult for the National Hub team to meet regularly and visit key coral conservation areas. Despite these logistical challenges, the project is hopeful that the National Action Plan will be drafted and finalised within the coming year and will continue to support protection for the climate-resilient reefs. While the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project targets resilient reefs as a starting point, its outcomes—including the National Action Plan—will serve as a foundation for expanding coral reef conservation efforts across other areas of Madagascar. Alongside supporting on-the-ground community engagement, establishing the National Hub and preparing the National Action Plan in Madagascar, WCS has also strengthened their relationships and contributions to the Madagascar Coral Reef Network (MCRN) to support a revitalized national effort for coral reef conservation. The Network has established a new coordinating body and agreed on priorities, including the production of an updated national coral bleaching status report. WCS will work alongside government agencies, research institutes, and conservation NGOs to gather and standardise data, build capacity in reef monitoring, and ensure a coordinated approach to reef protection. Whether through the voices of coastal fishers in Ankivonjy or through collaborating strongly with other coral reef conservation actors, WCS and the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project are ensuring that knowledge, both traditional and scientific, continues to guide the protection of Madagascar’s precious reefs. About the project The Coral Reef Rescue Project is a US$7m initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility to build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The project is implemented by the World Wildlife Fund and executed by The University of Queensland in partnership with Yayasan Reef Check Indonesia, Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Philippines. Contact For more information contact GEF CRR Project Manager Jennifer Dunn: jennifer.dunn@uq.edu.au Words by Aoife O’ Mahony Tahiry Rakoto, focal point of the GEF CRR Project in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development presenting the work to date. Participants in the national workshop with the GEF 7 Coral Reef Project Team and local stakeholders in Madagascar.   hrazafimandimby@wcs.org Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25797 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25798/When-the-reef-speaks-through-its-people.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=25798 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25798&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25798/When-the-reef-speaks-through-its-people.aspx In northwest Madagascar’s Ankivonjy MPA, coastal fishers share their coral reef stories.   The Ankivonjy Marine Protected Area (MPA), near Nosy Be, in northwest Madagascar, is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches and towering ancient volcanoes. Madagascar is home to 2% of the world’s coral reefs, which are among the most extensive, structurally varied, and biologically diverse in the Western Indian Ocean. These magnificent corals support over one thousand species of reef fish alongside 2,500 marine invertebrates. Ankivonjy is a critical nesting and feeding ground for the iconic and critically endangered hawksbill turtle. It is globally recognised by the IUCN as a Category V Protected Landscape/Seascape. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Madagascar, as the National Technical Facilitator of the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project, is working with local communities and the newly formed National Hub to ensure the survival of the climate-resilient coral reefs here and to conserve this area of outstanding marine importance. The designation of Ankivonjy MPA began in 2010 with extensive community engagement. This participatory approach continues to this day, ensuring effective and inclusive management of this vital ecosystem. In this coastal country, fishing has been a way of life for generations. Fishing and related activities support nearly 1.5 million people across the island. In September 2025, the GEF 7 CRR project led a site visit to Ankivonjy with coastal fishers as part of the ongoing community involvement in conserving the reef. At this workshop, the fishing community highlighted the importance of the reef and the visible impact of climate change. Marcel and Khaled, from the local Comité de Contrôle et de Surveillance in Marotogny, shared their insights with us. "We see four clear links between our reef and our lives. First, the coral reef is the habitat for fish, octopus, and lobsters. Second, fish come to the reef as a refuge when currents and predators are strong. Third, the reef is also food: many fish feed directly on what grows there. And fourth, the reef protects our coastlines and beaches from waves. For pressures and threats, we notice climate change through stronger winds and waves and through "ensablement" (sand shifting and smothering parts of the reef). We also recognize the impact of inappropriate fishing gear: filet kaokobe (or bamoloko), filet jarifa, and small spearguns (antsiraby). In Ankivonjy, coral health is mostly good, with less bleaching than before except near three villages: Ankatafa, Mangirankiragna, and Marotogny, where the corals have struggled. Our conclusion is simple: without the reef, there are no reef fish, no octopus, and no lobsters. These are our main food sources." Marcel and Khaled are local Community Surveillance Agents (CCS). These agents are volunteers chosen by the community who patrol and monitor fishing rules, help prevent illegal gear/use, report incidents, and support MPA/MLLA management with basic data and awareness. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Madagascar team highlighted the value of this visit with the president of the fishermen’s association in Ankivonjy and around 7 fishermen. Morgane Dierkens, focal point of the GEF CRR Project for WCS Madagascar, described the output from these meetings. “The coastal community spoke with precision and care, pointing out how the colors of the reefs have changed, how fishing grounds have shifted, how the seasons no longer follow the same rhythm. They see the signs of human pressures and the fingerprints of a changing climate in their daily lives.” Morgane added, “From these conversations, we gathered precious traditional knowledge, insights passed down through generations, that will help guide the way we care for and manage these fragile ecosystems. The fishers didn’t just share facts; they shared their perspective on the main pressures, their memories of abundance, and their hopes for future generations to be able to benefit the reef resources. For them, the reefs are not just part of the sea. They are a source of food, a foundation for their livelihoods, and a living storehouse of biodiversity. As they say: ‘No reef, no fish.’” Following the national workshop and field visit, the WCS team and project stakeholders will now work side by side to weave local knowledge of coastal communities and recommendations into Madagascar’s National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation. However, despite the enthusiasm of all the partners, the project team and the National Hub face extensive logistical challenges on the ground. Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world, with approximately 5,000km of coastline and is surrounded by an Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately. 1.2 million km², more than double the land mass. Travelling across this biodiverse island presents numerous logistical challenges, as seen by the PMU team recently. With few paved roads, even short trips by car or bus can take hours — often on crowded vehicles packed with people and goods. Combined with expensive domestic air travel, these challenges make it difficult for the National Hub team to meet regularly and visit key coral conservation areas. Despite these logistical challenges, the project is hopeful that the National Action Plan will be drafted and finalised within the coming year and will continue to support protection for the climate-resilient reefs. While the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project targets resilient reefs as a starting point, its outcomes—including the National Action Plan—will serve as a foundation for expanding coral reef conservation efforts across other areas of Madagascar. Alongside supporting on-the-ground community engagement, establishing the National Hub and preparing the National Action Plan in Madagascar, WCS has also strengthened their relationships and contributions to the Madagascar Coral Reef Network (MCRN) to support a revitalized national effort for coral reef conservation. The Network has established a new coordinating body and agreed on priorities, including the production of an updated national coral bleaching status report. WCS will work alongside government agencies, research institutes, and conservation NGOs to gather and standardise data, build capacity in reef monitoring, and ensure a coordinated approach to reef protection. Whether through the voices of coastal fishers in Ankivonjy or through collaborating strongly with other coral reef conservation actors, WCS and the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project are ensuring that knowledge, both traditional and scientific, continues to guide the protection of Madagascar’s precious reefs. About the project The Coral Reef Rescue Project is a US$7m initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility to build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The project is implemented by the World Wildlife Fund and executed by The University of Queensland in partnership with Yayasan Reef Check Indonesia, Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Philippines. Contact For more information contact GEF CRR Project Manager Jennifer Dunn: jennifer.dunn@uq.edu.au Words by Aoife O’ Mahony Photo 1 – Tahiry Rakoto focal point of the GEF CRR Project in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development presenting the work to date. Photo 2 - Participants in the national workshop with the GEF 7 Coral Reef Project Team and local stakeholders in Madagascar.” hrazafimandimby@wcs.org Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25798 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25728/-Voices-of-the-Forest-Protecting-Makiras-Endangered-Lemurs.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=25728 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25728&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/25728/-Voices-of-the-Forest-Protecting-Makiras-Endangered-Lemurs.aspx The Makira Natural Park in northeastern Madagascar is a global biodiversity treasure, forming a critical ecological link between the Masoala National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Anjanaharibe Sud. The "Voices of the Forest" project, supported by IUCN, is dedicated to securing the future of four of Makira’s most emblematic and endangered species: the Silky Sifaka (Propithecus candidus), Indri (Indri indri), Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia rubra), and the Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata subcincta). The Makira - Anjanaharibe Sud junction is the only place in the world where the Silky Sifaka, Indri, and Red Ruffed Lemur coexist. 🚨 Threats and the Need for Urgent Action These four key species are classified as Critically Endangered (CR) or Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, facing dynamic threats from complex human and environmental pressures. Slash-and-Burn Agriculture (Tavy): This traditional practice remains the primary driver of deforestation, clearing vital lemur habitat for short-term crops. Illegal Wood Harvesting: Uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel, charcoal, and construction, reducing the structural integrity of the ecosystem. Data Point: Satellite monitoring data indicates that the project's northern corridor (where our activities are focused) has experienced an estimated annual deforestation rate of approximately 0.15% over the last five years, demanding immediate, community-led intervention. Poaching: Despite legal protection, lemurs are still hunted for bushmeat, posing a direct threat to small, isolated populations. Threats are compounded by underlying issues: weak governance, limited access to stable markets and alternative livelihoods, corruption, poor soil conditions, and the increasing intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones (a major climate threat) that cause catastrophic forest damage. 🤝 Project Aims and Community-Centric Activities Our project is a community-based conservation initiative scaling up a model that places local stewardship at the core of lemur protection. We are focusing our efforts on the northern corridor of Makira, working with local COBAs (Community-Based Organizations). 1. Enhancing Community Stewardship and Governance Participatory Monitoring: We are implementing a real-time threat monitoring and surveillance system managed by the COBAs. We are training individuals in each of the four COBAs in systematic threat monitoring techniques, providing them with essential equipment like smartphones for data collection. Patrols and Reporting: We are establishing a mechanism for regular enforcement to ensure community-led patrols are carried out monthly. These patrols are supported in real-time by the control room at the Makira Park HQ, significantly boosting enforcement effectiveness. Safeguards: A functioning Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is operational to ensure environmental and social safeguards are consistently protected, fostering trust and transparency. 2. Sustainable Livelihood Incentives Ecotourism Development: We are working to attract more visitors to the existing Simpona Community-Managed Ecolodge in Andaparaty, thereby increasing community income and international interest. We will do this by rehabilitating trails for trekking, improving guest infrastructure, and training local guides from COBAs to deepen their skills in lemur tracking and conservation messaging. Sustainable Protein Alternative: To reduce the pressure of bushmeat hunting, we are providing technical support and supplies for the farming of Sakondry insects (a local, sustainable, high-protein alternative). 📈 Results Achieved So Far Our initial fieldwork and preparation phases are delivering measurable progress, moving us from planning to tangible action: Community and Governance Building: A major highlight was our participation in National Lemur Day celebrations. Working closely with local authorities (including the leaders of COBAs and Fokontanys), we hosted a large awareness event. This celebration involved over 900 community members and served as a high-profile launch for the project's community monitoring phase, successfully reinforcing local ownership and governance over the protected areas. Field Monitoring: The team is actively hitting the field to implement a multi-pronged monitoring strategy that combines passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) with camera traps and line transects distance sampling to establish baseline population data and habitat use. Livelihood Diagnostic: A diagnostic is taking place to begin the process of Sakondry insect farming in new areas, establishing the parameters for sustainable rollout. Previous projects from 2022 to 2025 trained 516 people in Sakondry farming, including 484 direct beneficiaries. The enthusiasm of those participants has motivated us to expand this initiative into the IUCN project target area. Tourism Plan Finalized: With our finalized eco-tourism plan, we can start improving the tourist experience at Simpona Lodge to attract more visitors, directly linking income generation to lemur conservation. Operational Safeguards: The grievance redress mechanism is operational to ensure environmental and social safeguards are protected throughout the project’s duration. 🌍 Contributions to National and Global Goals This project directly contributes to Madagascar's national policies and international commitments, demonstrating the powerful link between biodiversity, climate, and development. 🇲🇬 National Alignment National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan: By involving local communities in COBA management, we directly support NBSAP objectives 3, 4, and 7 by enhancing biodiversity, promoting sustainable use, and reducing deforestation across the Makira landscape. Nationally Determined Contributions & Paris Agreement: Our efforts to combat deforestation actively contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing forest-related greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Madagascar’s commitment under the Paris Agreement. National Adaptation Plan: By promoting sustainable livelihoods (ecotourism) and reducing poverty (through increased income and protein access), the project addresses the socio-economic dimensions of climate vulnerability, a key NAP priority. 🌐 Global Alignment (Sustainable Development Goals & CBD) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The project is directly linked to: SDG 1 (No Poverty): Boosting household income through ecotourism. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Conserving forests as carbon sinks. SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) & Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: We support two key objectives: Objective A: Reducing threats to biodiversity by improving habitat quality and connectivity. Objective B: Sustainable use of biodiversity and valuing its contributions to people by creating community incentives (protein, income) based on a healthy forest ecosystem. The "Voices of the Forest" project is more than conservation; it's an investment in the people and future of Makira, ensuring that these irreplaceable lemurs and their forest home thrives for generations to come. hrazafimandimby@wcs.org Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25728 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24529/A-practical-guide-to-identifying-CITES-Listed-Sharks-and-Rays-in-the-Western-Indian-Ocean.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=24529 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24529&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24529/A-practical-guide-to-identifying-CITES-Listed-Sharks-and-Rays-in-the-Western-Indian-Ocean.aspx In March 2025, two training workshops on the identification of CITES-listed sharks and rays were organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, bringing together key stakeholders in marine conservation in northwestern Madagascar. These sessions helped participants familiarize themselves, in a step by step process, with the visual criteria used to identify various shark and rays species. At the training, participants were introduced to the Carcass ID guide, a practical field guide specifically designed to support the identification of whole carcasses. Why this guide? Sharks and rays are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally. Approximately 37% of species are at risk of extinction, mainly due to overfishing. Sought after for their fins, meat, liver, or cartilage, these animals are part of a highly lucrative international trade. In response to this threat, CITES has included an increasing number of sharks and rays species in its appendices since 2003. However, one of the major challenges remains species identification at landing sites and fish markets. This guide covers 76 species found in the Western Indian Ocean region—including 42 shark species and 34 ray species. The guide  is intended for a broad audience including fisheries inspectors, enforcement officers, researchers, decision-makers, and other non-technical actors. Designed to be simple, visual, and field-friendly, the guide enables quick identification of species using features that are easily observed on freshly caught specimens. Key features include: A color-coded system by taxonomic order for easy navigation; Illustrated and user-friendly species identification sheets; Key visual criteria such as size, fin shape, body coloration, and silhouette. Stronger together This guide was developed by Dr Rima Jabado (ElasmoProject) through a partnership between the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), with support from the Shark Conservation Fund and the UK Government. It is part of a shared commitment to strengthening knowledge, improving data collection, and supporting CITES implementation through practical, accessible tools. Both educational and operational, this guide represents a significant step forward in monitoring, regulating, and sustainably managing threatened species. It reflects the commitment of the organizations involved to promote responsible fishing and conserve marine biodiversity. Download the PDF version of the guide here: link hrazafimandimby@wcs.org Tue, 06 May 2025 12:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24529 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24307/Madagascar-strengthens-capacity-for-identifying-CITES-Listed-Sharks-and-Rays.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=24307 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24307&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24307/Madagascar-strengthens-capacity-for-identifying-CITES-Listed-Sharks-and-Rays.aspx Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, Madagascar continues to advance its commitments to marine conservation. From March 11 to 14, 2025, a series of training workshops on identifying sharks listed under the CITES Convention was held in Nosy Be, in the northwest of the island. These sessions aimed to enhance the capacities of stakeholders involved in the management and protection of these threatened species. An initiative to protect marine species The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the international trade in protected species to ensure their survival. Madagascar is home to 79 species of sharks, 32 of which are listed under CITES Appendix II, including the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), and the great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran). There are also 41 species of rays, of which 13 are listed on CITES. Strengthening the ability to identify and monitor these species is crucial for sustainable management and combating illegal fishing. Objectives and scope of the workshops Organized with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), these workshops aimed to: • Train inspectors, controllers, and technicians in the precise identification of CITES-listed sharks and rays. • Raise awareness among collectors, exporters, and administrative authorities about the importance of conserving these species and being able to identify the different species. • Strengthen the fight against fraud and illegal trade in protected species. • Share best practices for managing and implementing CITES regulations in Madagascar. To ensure the effectiveness and quality of the training, the sessions were conducted in two phases, according to the participants’ regions of intervention: • First phase: Mahajanga, Maintirano, and Melaky – bringing together local control authorities, customs officials, fishing organizations, and conservation NGOs. • Second phase: Antsiranana, Nosy Be, and Ambanja – involving scientific experts, fisheries surveillance institutions, and law enforcement agencies. Dynamic and inclusive training approach Unlike traditional methods, these workshops adopted a participatory and interactive approach, fostering an engaging and effective learning experience. Language barriers were addressed through tailored educational tools, enabling full participant involvement. A collective commitment to sustainable management Through this initiative, Madagascar reinforces its commitment to preserving marine resources and combating the illegal exploitation of sharks and rays. The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and technical partners demonstrates the national commitment to ensuring the sustainable exploitation of marine species. These workshops align with the National Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Sharks and Rays, adopted in 2024, marking a major step forward in protecting Madagascar’s marine biodiversity. The improved knowledge and capacity of these participants to identify the different species of sharks and rays is an integral step in the effective implementation of CITES and the National Plan for sharks and rays in Madagascar,     hrazafimandimby@wcs.org Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24307 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24033/Historic-signing-ceremony-for-climate-communities-and-biodiversity-A-renewed-commitment-and-an-exemplary-partnership-to-sustainably-finance-the-Makira-Natural-Park.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=24033 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=24033&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/24033/Historic-signing-ceremony-for-climate-communities-and-biodiversity-A-renewed-commitment-and-an-exemplary-partnership-to-sustainably-finance-the-Makira-Natural-Park.aspx Antananarivo, Madagascar, December 12, 2024 - Today’s signing ceremony is a milestone for the conservation of the Makira Natural Park's exceptional biodiversity and support for local communities. The signing ceremony of the commercialization contract, the emissions reductions purchase agreement and the agreement relating to the management of the Makira Community Carbon Fund testifies to the commitment of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Makira Carbon Company (MCC) and Everland to jointly promote nature-based solutions, to increase climate resilience, conserve biodiversity and create sustainable benefits for communities. The development of these agreements, as well as the technical and conservation work required to develop these agreements and complete the emissions and verification processes described, is made possible by the Rio Tinto Nature Solutions commitment announced at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This $16 million commitment to Makira Natural Park will generate significant revenues from carbon credit sales, with 50% of net revenues from future sales unlocked through these agreements earmarked for community support. Context: A pioneering and emblematic project for Madagascar's forests Makira Natural Park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, is one of Madagascar's largest tropical forests, covering 372,470 hectares of dense primary forest in the northeast. More than 90,000 people living in 120 villages depend directly on Makira for their livelihoods. Launched in 2005, the Makira Natural Park REDD+ project is the world's longest-running project validated by the international Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCBs). It generated 1.8 million tonnes of carbon credits between 2005 and 2013, while reducing the rate of deforestation thanks to the involvement of local communities.   A commitment to tangible benefits for biodiversity and communities   The signing of these agreements will re-launch the marketing of carbon credits generated by the REDD+ project from 2005 to 2013, establish a new reference scenario and validate and verify credits for the period 2014 to March 2020. Once promoted on the voluntary carbon market, the revenues generated willsupport the development of local communities benefiting from the Makira Community Carbon Fund, preserve Makira's unique forest and biodiversity, and strengthen Madagascar's climate resilience. The signing ceremony will take place at the MEDD office in Antsahavola on December 12, 2024, in the presence of the Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development and his team, including BNCC-REDD+ and key partners of the Makira Natural Park REDD+ project. Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Government of the Republic of Madagascar said: ‘The signing of these agreements marks a significant step forward in securing long-term, sustainable funding for the protection of Madagascar's threatened forests and biodiversity, while providing vital funding to support communities in and around the Makira Natural Park.’ Joshua Tosteson, Chief Executive Officer, Everland said, ‘Everland is proud to strengthen our partnership with the Government of Madagascar and WCS, and to reaffirm our support for the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project. Building on Rio Tinto’s landmark commitment, the agreements signed today are a vital step in providing the long-term funding the project needs to conserve one of the world’s most important and threatened forest ecosystems, while directly empowering the local communities.’ Lovy Rasolofomanana, Country Director, WCS Madagascar said: ‘We welcome the Malagasy Government's continued commitment to securing funding and supporting nature-based solutions in Madagascar. The Makira Natural Park is an area of global and national importance, and WCS is proud to have supported its protection for 31 years. Through these agreements, we hope to continue to bring benefits to forests, biodiversity and local communities for many years to come.’   About MEDD The mission of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development is to ensure the protection and promotion of the environment, while contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is also responsible for implementing environmental programs in line with the State's General Policy. It is entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities, in line with current environmental challenges: protection and management of natural resources, environmental studies, preservation of biodiversity, combating climate change, waste and pollution management. As a cross-disciplinary field, the environment evolves in line with realities, requiring constant adaptation on the part of populations. To protect and manage protected areas and natural resources, and to organize their use with a view to sustainability, the Ministry is committed to preserving Madagascar's flora and fauna, while taking concrete action in the environmental sector. About Everland Everland is a specialised conservation marketing organisation in the climate change mitigation business that exclusively represents the Voluntary Carbon Market's largest portfolio of high-impact, community-centered, forest conservation (REDD+) projects. Through these projects, Everland brings together communities and corporations in common cause to protect some of the world’s most important and vulnerable forests. About WCS The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an American non-governmental organization founded in 1895. Its mission is to safeguard the world's wild species and places through science, conservation, public education and the encouragement of respect for nature. Present in Madagascar since 1993 to ensure the long-term conservation of the country's unique biodiversity, our interventions focus on holistic site-based conservation, applied research, the creation and management of conservation areas, community conservation and institutional support. WCS works mainly in three landscapes: the Makira-Masoala-Antongil Bay- MaMaBay landscape, a land and seascape in the north-east of Madagascar; in the south-western seascape, in and around the Soariake Protected Area, and in the north-western seascape in the Ankivonjy Protected Area, the Ankarea Protected Area, the future Tandavandriva Protected Area and around Nosy Be. Press contact Lanto Andriamampianina, Director of Conservation, lanto@wcs.org Hajannie Razafimandimby, Manager of Communications, hrazafimandimby@wcs.org hrazafimandimby@wcs.org Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:24033 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23840/Rio-Tinto-invests-16m-in-Makira-Natural-Park-REDD-Project-in-Madagascar.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=23840 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=23840&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/23840/Rio-Tinto-invests-16m-in-Makira-Natural-Park-REDD-Project-in-Madagascar.aspx BAKU, Azerbaijan -- Rio Tinto has committed $16 million to the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project in northern Madagascar, through a new partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Everland. This commitment complements Rio Tinto’s investment in nature-based solutions in the south-east of the country. The Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project encompasses 372,000 hectares of dense primary forest. One of the largest remaining rainforests in the country, harbouring 17 species of lemur and more than 50% of Madagascar’s botanical diversity, Makira is critical to the protection of species found nowhere else in the world. Home to approximately 90,000 people who live in 120 villages in the project area, the project works to build the capacity of communities to practice more sustainable agriculture and avoid deforesting new areas. Rio Tinto’s commitment will allow the project to scale up and improve protected area management and bring funds that will directly benefit the rural communities living in and around the Park. These funds will allow the project to reassess the deforestation baseline according to the latest Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards before credit issuance. Funding will also support monitoring and reporting on the impact of ongoing interventions to reduce deforestation, protect threatened biodiversity, and bring durable improvements to local communities, including increasing their involvement and agency in forest and wildlife protection activities. Rio Tinto’s investment also includes a committed offtake of carbon credits from the project. While Rio Tinto’s priority is reducing operational emissions, this commitment is part of the company’s work to invest in and develop high-integrity nature-based solutions. These do not compete for capital with, or replace, decarbonisation projects, rather they are standalone carbon and nature investments that can bring positive outcomes in the regions where Rio Tinto operates. Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Government of the Republic of Madagascar said: “This commitment by Rio Tinto to the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project underlines the critical importance of project-level REDD+ efforts within our national program as an effective tool to halt deforestation, protect critical ecosystems and biodiversity, and fund urgently needed development priorities for local communities. This commitment by Rio Tinto, in partnership with WCS, is an important milestone in achieving Madagascar’s national and international goals on climate change and sustainable development.” Theresia Ott, Chief Advisor, Nature Solutions, Rio Tinto said, “Supporting the development of REDD+, restoration and sustainable landscape management programs in the regions where we work is a critical component of our Nature Solutions program. The Makira Natural Park project has played a key role in demonstrating the success of REDD+ in conserving high biodiversity landscapes whilst bringing positive outcomes for people. We believe these programs are much-needed tools to urgently finance large-scale, long-term activities and therefore to secure sustained protection, while improving climate resilience and restoring the ecosystem services on which we all rely.” Todd Stevens, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Society said: “WCS welcomes this well-timed commitment by Rio Tinto, which will provide a critical surge in support of recharging forest and biodiversity conservation, as well as community livelihoods and economic development activities in Makira. We need more public-private partnerships like this to help countries like Madagascar continue to access carbon finance to meet their climate and sustainable development goals, while safeguarding forests and wildlife for generations. WCS salutes the Government of the Republic of Madagascar for their leadership in supporting this process.” Joshua Tosteson, Chief Executive Officer, Everland said, “This commitment by Rio Tinto comes at a critical moment for the communities and governments of forest nations. At a time when the risks of inaction have become untenable for the world, the reputational risks of voluntary corporate action have made it untenable for many companies to act – when action is most needed to turn the tide on forest loss. We applaud Rio Tinto, the Madagascar Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Wildlife Conservation Society for their bold commitment to protecting and enhancing some of the most important and endangered ecosystems in the world, while directly empowering the local communities whose fate is intertwined with that of the forest.” Notes to editors In 2003, the Madagascar Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development launched a program, supported by WCS, to create the Makira Forest Protected Area and to finance it in part through carbon markets. After a 12-year development effort, in 2013 the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project became the first government-owned REDD+ project in Africa to sell carbon credits on the voluntary carbon market, after achieving verification under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, and Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards. The project suspended its participation under the VCS from 2020-2024, during which time Madagascar participated in a jurisdictional emissions reduction program under the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility of the World Bank. Activities in Makira continued to reduce deforestation under that jurisdictional program. Between 2005 and 2013, the project resulted in 6,000 hectares and 31,000 hectares of avoided deforestation within the project area and leakage belt respectively, and 400 hectares of degraded forest land restored. Rio Tinto’s commitment provides sustainable finance to the project, so that it can continue to deliver positive outcomes for climate, nature and the local communities in and around the Makira Natural Park REDD+ Project. This investment is part of Rio Tinto’s broader support for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of Madagascar’s biodiverse forests, through projects that can generate high-integrity carbon credits. The Makira Forest Protected Area REDD+ Project’s impact will be assessed for its value to people, climate and nature – using the most recent and robust methodologies – and the resulting monitoring reports and results of third-party audits will be publicly available. About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS combines the power of its zoos and an aquarium in New York City and a Global Conservation Program in more than 50 countries to achieve its mission to save wildlife and wild places. WCS runs the world’s largest conservation field program, protecting more than 50 percent of Earth’s known biodiversity; in partnership with governments, Indigenous People, Local Communities, and the private sector. It’s four zoos and aquarium (the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium) welcome more than 3.5 million visitors each year, inspiring generations to care for nature. About Everland Everland is a specialised conservation marketing organisation in the climate change mitigation business that exclusively represents the Voluntary Carbon Market's largest portfolio of high-impact, community-centered, forest conservation (REDD+) projects. Through these projects, Everland brings together communities and corporations in common cause to protect some of the world’s most important and vulnerable forests. www.everland.earth Contacts Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Rio Tinto David Outhwaite M: +44 7787 597493 Media.enquiries@riotinto.com Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mary Dixon M +1 347 840 1242 mdixon@wcs.org Everland Will Richard Media@everland.earth Rio Tinto plc 6 St James’s Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 riotinto.com Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:23840 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21130/Madagascar-Shark-plan.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=21130 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=21130&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/21130/Madagascar-Shark-plan.aspx   Click on the link below to download the documents :  Plan national de conservation et de gestion des requins et des raies à Madagascar version MG Drafitra nasionaly ho an’ny fikajiana sy fitantanana ny antsantsa sy ny makoba eto Madagasikara  Plan de mise en œuvre du plan national de conservation et de gestion des requins et des raies à Madagascar Drafitra fanatanterahana ny drafitra nasionaly ho fikajiana sy fitantanana ny antsantsa sy makoba eto Madagasikara     rwilfried@wcs.org Mon, 29 Jul 2024 13:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:21130 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17695/Involvement-in-conservation-can-change-life.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=17695 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17695&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17695/Involvement-in-conservation-can-change-life.aspx Fabiola Anjarafidy lives in a small village called Ampohagna, one of the... rwilfried@wcs.org Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17695 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17365/SWM-Newsletter--Issue-8-May-to-October-2021.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=17365 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17365&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17365/SWM-Newsletter--Issue-8-May-to-October-2021.aspx Please read the complete News here rwilfried@wcs.org Thu, 10 Mar 2022 08:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17365 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17355/SWM-Newsletter--Issue-7-November-2020-to-April-2021.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=17355 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17355&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17355/SWM-Newsletter--Issue-7-November-2020-to-April-2021.aspx Please read the complete News here rwilfried@wcs.org Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17355 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17354/SWM-Programme-Newsletter-Issue-6--July-to-October-2020.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=17354 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=17354&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/17354/SWM-Programme-Newsletter-Issue-6--July-to-October-2020.aspx Please read the complete News here rwilfried@wcs.org Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:17354 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14349/Build-Trust-First-Take-Action-Later.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=14349 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14349&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14349/Build-Trust-First-Take-Action-Later.aspx I work in one of Madagascar’s largest remaining blocks of intact tropical forest. Located in the northeastern part of the island, Makira Natural Park boasts unique and beautiful wildlife like lemurs that are found only on the huge island. Other unusual species include the Fossa, a short-legged puma-like animal but smaller and in fact, related to the mongoose; and spiny little tenrecs that look like a mixture of hedgehog, shrew, and opossum. Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14349 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14916/SWM-newsletter-November-2019-to-February-2020.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=14916 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=14916&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/14916/SWM-newsletter-November-2019-to-February-2020.aspx Please read the complete News here rwilfried@wcs.org Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:14916 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13737/Journee-mondiale-de-lenvironnement.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=13737 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=13737&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/13737/Journee-mondiale-de-lenvironnement.aspx https://lexpress.mg/05/06/2020/journee-mondiale-de-lenvironnement-honneur-a-la-biodiversite/ rwilfried@wcs.org Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:13737 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12245/Communique-de-presse-conjoint--Lancement-SWM.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=12245 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12245&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12245/Communique-de-presse-conjoint--Lancement-SWM.aspx Madagascar a lancé son projet de gestion durable de la faune le 30 avril 2019, qui s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un programme global financé par le 11ème FED de la Commission Européenne pour une stratégie intra-ACP (groupe des Etats d’Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique) déclinée dans douze pays ACP pilotes. rwilfried@wcs.org Thu, 02 May 2019 14:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12245 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12203/GEF-Satoyama-Quarterly-Newsletter-October-to-December-2018-and-Issue-Brief.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=12203 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12203&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12203/GEF-Satoyama-Quarterly-Newsletter-October-to-December-2018-and-Issue-Brief.aspx The quarterly newsletter highlighting the main activities of the quarter October to December 2018 has been released. This can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/GEF-Satoyama-Project-Quarterly-Report-FY19Q2.pdf. Follow this link to read the Issue Brief  http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/GEF-Satoyama-Issue-brief.pdf, the French version can be found at  http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/GEF-Satoyama-Issue-Brief_FRENCH.pdf while the Spanish version can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/GEF-Satoyama-Issue-Brief_SPANISH.pdf.  The webpage dedicated to our project on gef-satoyama website can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/subgrantprojects/wcs/ rwilfried@wcs.org Mon, 15 Apr 2019 09:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12203 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12155/SWM--Bulletin-dinformation-Numero-1--janvier-a-mars-2019.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=12155 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12155&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/12155/SWM--Bulletin-dinformation-Numero-1--janvier-a-mars-2019.aspx J’ai le plaisir de vous présenter le premier bulletin d’information du Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme... rwilfried@wcs.org Thu, 04 Apr 2019 13:42:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12155 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11776/GEF-Satoyama-Quarterly-Newsletter-July-to-September-2018-and-Issue-Brief.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=11776 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11776&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11776/GEF-Satoyama-Quarterly-Newsletter-July-to-September-2018-and-Issue-Brief.aspx The quarterly newsletter highlighting the main activities of the quarter July to September 2018 has been released. This can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/GEF-Satoyama-Project-Quarterly-Report-FY19Q1.pdf. Follow this link to read the Issue Brief http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/GEF-Satoyama-Issue-brief.pdf. The webpage dedicated to our project on gef-satoyama website can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/subgrantprojects/wcs/ rwilfried@wcs.org Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11776 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11468/GEF-Satoyama-Quarterly-Newsletter-January-to-March-2018.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=11468 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11468&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11468/GEF-Satoyama-Quarterly-Newsletter-January-to-March-2018.aspx The quarterly newsletter highlighting the main activities of the quarter January to March 2018 has been released. This can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/GEF-Satoyama-Project-Quarterly-Report-FY18Q3.pdf.The webpage dedicated to our project on gef-satoyama website can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/subgrantprojects/wcs/ rwilfried@wcs.org Mon, 23 Jul 2018 05:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11468 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10943/Report-on-the-launch-of-the-LAFA-Forum.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=10943 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10943&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10943/Report-on-the-launch-of-the-LAFA-Forum.aspx Lafa_Compte rendu de lancement.pdf rwilfried@wcs.org Wed, 20 Dec 2017 02:31:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10943 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10758/GEF-Satoyama-quarterly-newsletter-July-to-September-2017.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=10758 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10758&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10758/GEF-Satoyama-quarterly-newsletter-July-to-September-2017.aspx The fourth quarterly newsletter of the GEF-Satoyama project has been released. It can be found at GEF-Satoyama Project Quarterly Report rwilfried@wcs.org Mon, 20 Nov 2017 01:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10758 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10578/National-working-session-for-the-conservation-sustainable-management-of-sharks-and-rays-in-Madagascar.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=10578 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10578&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10578/National-working-session-for-the-conservation-sustainable-management-of-sharks-and-rays-in-Madagascar.aspx Twenty-five experts from around Madagascar, including scientists from WCS, representatives of Government, researchers, and NGO partners met during a national working session for the conservation and sustainable management of sharks and rays in Madagascar, on September 7, 2017. The objective of the meeting, which was financed by the Global Partnership for Sharks and Rays, was to identify priority actions in relation with sharks and rays and the issues on their conservation and to discuss how different actors in Madagascar can better coordinate their efforts.Participants discussed a range of issues concerning the protection of these species such as the low awareness of laws relating to the exploitation of sharks and rays, the threats to sharks and rays from small-scale and industrial fishing and the urgent need to collect additional data on shark and ray ecology and catches. The meeting was also marked by the creation of a national working group for the conservation and sustainable management of sharks and rays. This working group, which includes the participants in the working session as well as representatives of fishers groups, will work over the next few months to develop a national roadmap for shark and ray conservation and sustainable management. We would like to thank the Global Partnership for Sharks and Rays for their support of shark and ray conservation activities in Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean, and stay tuned for updates from the next meeting of the national working group. rwilfried@wcs.org Fri, 06 Oct 2017 08:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10578 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10476/GEF-Satoyama-quarterly-newsletter-April-to-June-2017.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=10476 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10476&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10476/GEF-Satoyama-quarterly-newsletter-April-to-June-2017.aspx The fourth quarterly newsletter of the GEF-Satoyama project has been released. It can be found at GEF-Satoyama Project Quarterly Report 17-04 rwilfried@wcs.org Mon, 28 Aug 2017 07:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10476 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10309/SATOYAMA-Quarterly-newsletter-January--March-2017.aspx#Comments 0 https://madagascar.wcs.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=6093&ModuleID=11923&ArticleID=10309 https://madagascar.wcs.org:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10309&PortalID=120&TabID=6093 https://madagascar.wcs.org/About-Us/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10309/SATOYAMA-Quarterly-newsletter-January--March-2017.aspx The GEF-Satoyama-Project Quarterly Report can be found at http://gef-satoyama.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/GEF-Satoyama-Project-Quarterly-Report-FY17Q3.pdf. rwilfried@wcs.org Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10309