Posted on May, 05 2010

The WWF Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean Programme office proudly presents the new Newsbites. In this tri-monthly newsletter you will find news about our projects, about the region we work in, staff portraits and on-the-ground reports. Please let us know what you think about it and what we can still improve!

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In this edition

No Solution to crisis yet

Madagascar has been undergoing a political crisis for the past 15 months. The four main political movements have signed agreements in Maputo and Addis Ababa, during the second half of 2009, “for a way out of the crisis”. Unfortunately the agreements were never implemented because no consensus on any side could be reached.

Illegal Logging

This quarter continued to be a grim one for precious woods in the country, however a new sign of hope emerged with the announcement by the transition government of a decree that forbids further exploitation and exportation of precious wood.

Conservation Plan 2010 – 2015

WWF’s conservation strategy for Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean Islands aims at achieving the following long-term vision:
By 2050, the full range of the region’s unique biodiversity and its ecological goods and services are sustainably conserved and managed now and in the face of climate change, and contributing to the society as a whole through the effective and culturally adapted actions of Regional, National, and Local institutions.

Success for the LiDAR mission

The most important mission of the “carbon assessment” component of the Holistic Conservation Programme for Forests (HCPF) in Madagascar took place at the end of March 2010.

A Vision for Biodiversity & Fisheries

The first Regional planning process carried out in the Western Indian Ocean Islands Marine Ecoregion (WIOMER). A vision for Biodiversity and Fisheries and five priority actions for the next five years are currently proposed with 51 seascapes and sites of special significance that are priority for immediate action to protect biodiversity and strengthen fisheries in WIOMER.

The Lake Naivasha II Statement

One year ago leaders from around the WWF network came together at Lake Naivasha to forge a way forward on issues of human wellbeing, poverty and conservation. From this gathering the WWF poverty policy was developed and endorsed at the highest level. One year on, again at Lake Naivasha, we, the WWF leadership in Africa, have agreed that the time is now ripe to put the fine commitments of the policy into action.

Vola Ramahery

Get to know the ones that get the job done! This time a former vintsy kid who is a leader in conservation these days.

First Earth Hour a Success

It was Madagascar’s first Earth Hour - but it was as exciting as anywhere else on this planet!

CC adaptation training in Tana

With its unique forest biodiversity and important coastal ecosystems, DIANA region in the north-west of Madagascar is likely to suffer significant impacts from climate change (CC) in the future if adaptation strategies are not identified and implemented.

Climate change adaptation as integral part of conservation efforts

As part of WWF MWIOPO’s commitment to integrating climate change adaptation activities into its conservation planning work, a series of working sessions was held during January and February 2010 to develop a detailed Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan for WWF MWIOPO for 2010 – 2015.

Emile Jean – a climate witness

The changing climate in Madagascar is making it more and more difficult for farmers like Emile to make a living.

First certified MPA managers in West Indian Ocean region

The Western Indian Ocean Region encompassing East Africa countries and Islands States have committed to preserve their marine biodiversity in order to provide sustainable goods and services for the human beings in the long term. They have elaborated the 1st certification programme for marine protected area professionals in the WIO region.

Explore volunteers plant trees and raise awareness

6 Volunteers from Canada, Australia, USA, and United Kingdom are installed near Toliara. This first programme in 2010 runs from February 9th to May 9th.

Volunteers help conserve spiny forest

Two 4x4 drive on the dirt road outside Toliara towards the small village of Ankilimalinka. A once in a lifetime experience is about to start for 6 volunteers who are joining the WWF‘s Energy & Environment Synergy project for 3 months.

A step forward for Health and Safety

Mitch Keiver, WWF International consultant in Safety and Security has helped WWF MWIOPO in March to identify threats to health and safety.

A great step towards sustainability for community based organizations

Beampingaratsy, Tolagnaro - Beampingaratsy forest (30,000 ha), is one of the priority sites selected by the “Holistic Conservation Programme for Forests in Madagascar”, which goal is to contribute to maintaining the ecological functions of the forest for the benefit of socio-economic community development.

Back to forest in Vondrozo

A small community in Vondrozo (South East of Madagascar) was supported technically by WWF staff for the reforestation of 1.5 ha of land.

Village Theatre - a good tool for raising awareness

Positive development for the preservation of marine environments thanks to Village theatres

Moringa Oleifera, a plant with multiple virtues

The Vintsy clubs from Toliara participated in a WWF campaign for the design of ponds in the Mahafaly Plateau.