Emma Rasoarimalala
Student Researcher—La Mananara Site
Emma is a young conservationist and researcher with experience in various projects. She has conducted human nutrition surveys in communities near the Andrafiamena-Andavakoera protected area in northern Madagascar. She has also contributed to lemur research and monitoring while working in northern Madagascar, and attended a field school at Tsinjoarivo with the University of the West of England. Furthermore, she contributed to reforestation projects organized by the Society for Conservation Biology and GERP Madagascar (Primate Study and Research Group) in 2023.
Emma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Anthropology (2021) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree specializing in nutritional anthropology in the Department of Anthropobiology and Sustainable Development at the University of Antananarivo.
Q&A with EMMA
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
Since childhood, I have been taught to always conserve our environment. When I was in my first year of college, we were asked to choose a natural area and conduct a short study on it, so my small group went to Anjeva Gara. During that study, the degree of environmental degradation and biodiversity loss was clear, and I remarked to myself that it is my duty to protect and conserve it for future generations. Later, I decided to enroll in the Department of Biological Anthropology and Sustainable Development at the University of Antananarivo to pursue my desire to protect and conserve wildlife not only in Madagascar but also around the world.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by wildlife conservation in Madagascar and conserving the many endemic species on our precious island.
Is there a book has influenced you or made a strong impression?
“Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the American Dream” by Eric Schlosser, because this book exposes the dark side of the food industry, examining how junk food contributes to obesity, chronic diseases, and other health problems. I have also been influenced by many books related to conservation and Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. I am particularly interested in the works of Dr. Patricia C. Wright, who has dedicated her career to studying and protecting lemurs in Madagascar.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is “anandrano sy saosisy” (rice with sausage and vegetables).
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is “Wrong Turn”, which I never get tired of watching. I may hide under the covers each time I watch it because I’m scared, but I always finish it to the end.
What is ONE OF THE COOLEST EXPERIENCES YOU’VE HAD IN YOUR WORK?
During a field trip in July 2022, I conducted my first-ever survey in the field of nutrition, and I realized that through this research, I can help many people in everyday life.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel the world, I would go to Japan to see the links between food, health, and beauty. Japan is known for its aesthetic presentation and use of fresh ingredients.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Aside from lemurs, I love dogs because they offer unconditional companionship and emotional support, which can be especially important for people who live alone or struggle with loneliness, anxiety, or depression.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
I care about Madagascar and its wildlife because it is my country. Madagascar is home to many endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world, yet most are threatened with extinction and in desperate need of conservation.