Save Madagascar
A Treasure in Trouble
One of the world’s most important hotspots for biodiversity, Madagascar, is in serious trouble. This island nation in the Indian Ocean, once a part of the African continent, shelters more than 1 percent of all the world’s species. Many types of plants and animals that live here—including lemurs, fossa, radiated tortoises, and Malagasy rosewood—exist nowhere else on Earth.
After a coup d’état in Madagascar earlier this year, international donor agencies suspended aid critical to protecting the country’s precious natural heritage. Since then, threats such as logging and the illegal wildlife trade have escalated. Now, the future of Madagascar’s wildlife and wild places hangs in the balance.
Your help for WCS’s work in Madagascar will have a real impact. It will safeguard 1 million acres of land; the livelihoods of 200,000 people in 150 villages; Madagascar’s most important wildlife populations; and our invaluable Malagasy staff.
Forging Ahead in Tough Times:
How WCS Stays on Track
During 15 years of work on this island nation, WCS has built partnerships with local communities and committed to helping them manage their resources sustainably. We helped create and manage the national park in Masoala, now a World Heritage Site, and a protected area in Makira. WCS is a making a real difference using these techniques:
Cutting-Edge Science
In Antongil Bay, WCS works to improve coastal zone management by regulating fisheries and monitoring boats for by-catch; developing whale-watching laws to protect humpbacks; and supporting community-based initiatives to manage coastal and marine resources.
Conservation Solutions
In collaboration with the government of Madagascar, WCS’s Makira Carbon Company is assisting in the sale of more than nine million tons of carbon offsets to the global market. Proceeds will reduce logging and improve the economic wellbeing of neighboring communities.
Local Action
Around Makira Park, WCS supports 59 community-based natural resources management associations, who support a forest zone of nearly 700,000 acres. Local residents are developing Earth-friendly farming practices and ecotourism, creating tree nurseries, and managing watersheds.
With your help, WCS can ensure continued support for Madagascar. Please donate now.
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