Makira Rainforest Conservation

Madagascar is home to world-famous and highly endangered lemurs. But the lemurs rely on local forests that are being destroyed by unsustainable practices. This project uses ecotourism, sustainable fish farming, and beekeeping to teach villagers new ways to earn income while also keeping the rainforest healthy. Communities learn management skills; kids get access to environmental education and the rainforest is protected from the threat of slash-and-burn agriculture. Leaping lemurs, that’s some positive change! Bottom Line: By funding economic programs and environmental education, this project protects the Makira rainforest while improving the lives of local people.

Sustainable management activities include research, biodiversity monitoring and the transfer of forest management to local communities. To spur rural development, the project creates new income sources by improving agricultural techniques, infrastructure, and ecotourism. Environmental education and health services are provided, and local institutions are strengthened by strategic zoning and community organization.

Monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas savings is a challenge due to the park’s large size, and limited access. However, the project has overcome these challenges through a series of techniques which are both transparent and verifiable. These include remote sensing techniques and geospatial analysis. Gaps are filled using data sets from reliable and peer reviewed databases where analysis is not possible. Geospatial experts on the audit team have assessed the application of this approach, hence we can confidently say that the information is accurate and reliable.

Additionally, the project continues to implement exceptional measures which benefit the biodiversity including rare flora and fauna as well as the endangered lemur populations and vulnerable palm species.

—Sid Yadav, CEO Global Offset Research