Project
Protecting Lemurs through Sustainable Livelihoods and Habitat Restoration in Northern Madagascar
Initiative
Duration
2025 - 2027
Location
Madagascar
Species protected
Perrier’s Sifaka
Propithecus perrieri
Golden-crowned Sifaka
Propithecus tattersalli
Aye-aye
Daubentonia madagascariensis
Project description
This project aims to protect Critically Endangered lemur species through integrated, sustainable value chains in the northern landscapes of Madagascar. It aims to improve conservation in the protected areas of Andrafiamena-Andavakoera and Loky Manambato by coupling ecological restoration with reinforcement of socio-economic development support.
Key activities include community-based forest patrols, participatory ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, and support for sustainable livelihoods (honey rice farming and fishing). Through this holistic approach, the project aims to reduce habitat pressure, increase lemur population densities, and improve local livelihoods in harmony with biodiversity conservation.
Threats
Climate change
Habitat loss & degradation
Poaching
Project objectives
- Reduce by 60% anthropogenic pressures on lemur habitats within three years.
- Maintain or increase the population densities of Propithecus perrieri and Propithecus tattersalli through targeted habitat protection.
- Enhance sustainable household income through the development of inclusive, resilient, and responsible value chains (honey, rice farming, fishing).
Project activities
- Forest surveillance and habitat restoration: 230 community-led patrols using SMART tools; restoration of 1200 ha of lemur habitats.
- Participatory ecological monitoring: lemur population survey using transect; value chain development for local livelihood; support for 90 rice farmers, 80 beekeepers, 90 fish farmers, and 520 fishers with training, equipment, and market access.
- Environmental education and awareness: outreach through schools, World Lemur Day events, and local radio in 30 schools and across 2 regions.
- Institutional strengthening and co-management: reinforcement of local governance.
