New Project to Enhance Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Madagascar
A project launched recently by Conservation International(CI)-Madagascar seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Boeny region which boasts a rich array of biodiversity that’s threatened by unsustainable human activities.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project seeks to improve the management effectiveness and financial sustainability of five targeted protected areas covering a total of 588,494 hectares or 20% of the region’s territory. It also seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices among communities living around those protected areas.
“The protected areas and their activities will become better integrated into, and contribute to, the broader regional development agenda. The project is expected to directly benefit at least 2000 households by supporting sustainable production practices, leading to improved revenues and food security,” said CI-Madagascar Country Director Sahondra Rajoelina.
The targeted protected areas include Ankarafantsika National Park, Baly Bay National Park, Biocultural Site of Antrema, Complex Mahavavy Kinkony and Bombetoka Beloboka. They face threats of land conversion for subsistence agriculture, fires and removal of trees for charcoal production.
The project will be implemented for 36 months in partnership with the Direction of Renewable Natural Resources and Ecosystems Management (DGNRE), Madagascar Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) and Direction of the Integration of the Sustainable Development Approach (DIDDD).
