WILDLIFE MADAGASCAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030
Madagascar is home to some of the world’s most unique and endangered species, with over 90% of its wildlife, including flora, found nowhere else on Earth. However, this extraordinary biodiversity is under severe threat from habitat destruction, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The rapid loss of forests and ecosystems across the island has driven many species to the brink of extinction. Over 98% of the lemur species are threatened with extinction and they are now the most endangered mammal on the planet.
While working with local communities to protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity remains at the heart of everything we do, our ambitions to bring change go far beyond this goal. We are determined not only to prevent the extinction of fauna and flora species found nowhere else on the planet but also to recover populations on the precipice.
This five-year plan is designed to fuel the growth and impact needed to reach our ambitious 10-year vision. By combining intensive on-the-ground conservation work with community-driven strategies and scientific research, we are building a scalable, sustainable model for conservation. These next five years are the launchpad, creating the conditions needed to achieve our decade-long vision for a Madagascar where both people and nature thrive in harmony.
By 2035, Wildlife Madagascar is committed to:
• Preserving 10 biologically diverse sites
• Planting 10,000,000 trees
• Conserving half of the 112 lemur species
• Building or rehabilitating the infrastructure of 10 schools
• Partnering to create five ecotourism facilities
• Bringing food security to the people adjacent to each field site
Partnering with local and national government and conservation entities, as well as the local people that call these areas home, we will not only use our scientific, conservation, development, education, and ecotourism expertise to bring back species and reconnect natural areas, but we will also bring prosperity to local people where we are engaged.
Diversity plays a vital role in regulating climate, water systems, soil production, provision of food, and pollination of crop plants, all of which enable our existence. The continuing decline in the health of the natural world and wildlife has a direct and severe impact on people’s livelihoods and well-being. We will focus on stabilizing the areas in which we work, determining the communities’ needs, and working with them to implement programs that will provide them with food security and their children with a bright future.
Expanding Habitat Protection Efforts
We are committed to scaling up our impact by expanding habitat protection across Madagascar’s unique and biodiverse ecosystems. In the face of increasing environmental pressures, protecting additional critical landscapes will be essential to preserving Madagascar’s endemic species and countless other flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet.
GOAL
Expand habitat protection efforts to safeguard Madagascar’s most critical and biodiverse ecosystems.
KEY ISSUES
• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Climate change impact
• Lack of community food security
• Lack of forest protection and law enforcement
• Data gaps
• Resource and funding limitations
POTENTIAL FUTURE SITES
• Southwest: Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, Mikea National Park, and Ranobe PK32
• Southeast: Andohahela National Park and Tsitongambarika Protected Area
• Central East: Marolambo National Park, Marotandrano Special Reserve, and Ambatovaky Special Reserve
• North: Analamerana Special Reserve, Lokobe National Park, Galoko Kalobinono PA, and Manongarivo Special Reserve
ACTION ITEMS
Identify the next six field sites and prioritize them
• Meet with a variety of government and conservation partners to discuss priority sites for protection
• Conduct a minimum of two field site visits per year with an accompanying field report and recommendations
• Meet with potential site partners and local community during site visits to gage interest in developing a partnership
• Create an operational budget in association with each recommended site
• Determine funding sources for each new site
Protect field sites from illegal activities
• Demarcate park and property borders with signage
• Implement fire breaks around each field site
• Conduct regular patrols with community members and law enforcement to locate and stop illegal activities
• Organize daily habituation and research activities to increase presence, thus deterrence
• Use passive monitoring devices to determine if illegal activities are occurring in remote areas
• Investigate different technologies to determine their effectiveness in detecting illegal activities
Reforesting
Madagascar’s forests are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they face relentless threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. These critical habitats support a vast array of wildlife, including endangered species like lemurs, which rely on forest habitat for their survival. Through a comprehensive reforestation program, we are committed to protecting and restoring the island’s most threatened forests, from the dense lowland rainforests to the unique spiny forests. By addressing the root causes of deforestation and degradation, we aim to rejuvenate ecosystems, expand viable wildlife habitats, and reconnect fragmented landscapes.
GOAL
Protect and restore the most threatened remaining forests to create resilient ecosystems that sustain both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
KEY ISSUES
• Widespread deforestation from conversion to agriculture, grazing lands, and charcoal production
• Degraded ecosystem function
• Habitat degradation and fragmentation
• Invasive species
• Climate change
• Limited resources and funding
HABITATS
• Lowland rainforest
• High elevation rainforest
• Dry deciduous forest
• Spiny forest
ACTION ITEMS
Create a reforestation program
• Define program goals
• Develop a long-term plan with milestones
• Hire a Malagasy expert to lead the program
• Create a detailed strategy
• Conduct site assessments to determine appropriate species to plant, soil quality, and water availability
• Identify multiple nursery locations for each field site
• Develop a nursery protocol from seed collection and cuttings to replanting
• Create a soil and water management plan Identify methods and resources necessary to remove and control exotic species
• Develop a long-term plan with milestones and a full 10-year evaluation plan to measure success
• Pursue funding to enhance and scale the program Hire local community members to run the nurseries
• Engage the local community
• Launch the nursery program at La Mananara and ASSR, to be followed by programs at all field sites
• Establish community planting days
• Implement a system to monitor the progress of tree growth, survival rates, and biodiversity recovery
• Connect the program to broader carbon sequestration efforts
Restore wildlife corridors
• Define program goals
• Conduct ecological assessments to map out fragmented habitats that need to be reconnected
• Determine which sites have viable options to reestablish corridors
• Prioritize areas where wildlife movement is most restricted or where biodiversity is at risk
• Design corridors to ensure that they connect critical habitats and incorporate natural dispersal routes
• Determine the appropriate width and size of the corridor to allow safe passage for species
• Work closely with partners and local stakeholders during the planning and implementation process
• Develop a detailed plan for the most promising corridors
• Obtain grant funding to implement the pilot corridor program
• Track wildlife movement, via camera traps, to assess the corridor’s effectiveness and identify potential blockages or risks
Conducting Scientific Research
Madagascar is home to a remarkable array of biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. However, large areas of the island remain understudied, and significant gaps in our scientific knowledge exist. Understanding the behavior, ecological interactions, and distribution of species is critical for conservation efforts, as human activities and climate change increasingly threaten these unique ecosystems. Addressing these gaps in knowledge is essential for developing effective, evidence-based conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term survival of Madagascar’s endemic species.
GOAL
Expand our understanding of Madagascar’s biodiversity by filling critical knowledge gaps, including species’ behavioral, feeding, and reproductive ecology, habitat preferences, and mapping species distributions and threats.
KEY ISSUES
• Data deficiency
• Changing ecosystems
• Limited baseline information
• Bushmeat poaching
ACTION ITEMS
Fill data gaps
• Conduct comprehensive field surveys in under-explored regions to gather critical data on species diversity, abundance, and ecological interactions
• Identify hotspot areas of increased anthropogenic pressures
• Use the data collected to identify priority areas for immediate intervention, e.g., increased patrols and community interventions
Study species behavior and ecology
• Focus on researching the behavior, reproductive ecology, diet, and habitat use of key species, particularly those that are threatened or endemic to specific regions
• Conduct research daily within the forest to create a permanent presence, deterring illegal activities including resource extraction and poaching
• Identify key plant species used by native seed dispersers (e.g., lemurs, bats, and birds)
• Use GPS technology to track and map species’ movement patterns as it relates to seasonality and anthropogenic disturbances
• Submit and/or publish one manuscript per field site each year
• Present one scientific study at an international conference each year
Assess habitat connectivity
• Evaluate the potential connectivity between fragmented habitats, identifying the best placement for critical corridors and areas for restoration
• Work with local stakeholders and the formal land manager to protect potential corridor/restoration zones
Map species distributions
• Use technology such as satellite imagery, camera trapping, and GPS tracking to map species occurrence and occupancy within and around each of our field sites
• Identify areas of high species richness (i.e., biodiversity) as well as anthropogenic disturbances that require more targeted protection
Build local capacity
• Collaborate with Malagasy researchers, universities, and communities to build local capacity for conducting long-term scientific research and monitoring
• Support a minimum of two Malagasy graduate students at each field site each year
• Support a minimum of one exceptional student to attend an international conference to present their work
Inform conservation strategies
• Ensure that scientific research informs adaptive management strategies, conservation planning, and community-based conservation initiatives
• Maintain and build upon strong relationships with local land managers, partnering NGOs, and the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development
Developing Food Security for Local Communities
Food security is a critical concern for the communities living adjacent to our field sites. Many of these communities depend heavily on subsistence agriculture and natural resource extraction, frequently facing challenges due to environmental degradation, climate change, and limited access to sustainable agricultural practices. Many rural communities also lack access to markets and cities seasonally due to being geographically isolated. We are dedicated to not only conserving biodiversity but also improving the livelihoods of the people who live near protected areas. By integrating food security initiatives into our conservation work, we can foster sustainable agricultural systems that reduce pressure on forests and provide long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities.
GOAL
Enhance food security for communities living adjacent to our field sites by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving access to nutritious food, and supporting local livelihoods while reducing reliance on forest resources.
KEY ISSUES
• Environmental degradation
• Limited access to sustainable farming techniques
• Dependence on forest resources
• Economic and market access barriers
• Lack of diversified livelihoods Inadequate support
ACTION ITEMS
Conduct socioeconomic surveys at each field site
• Supplement this research with health assessments of local children age five and under
• Create a unique plan for the communities at each site
• Reassess each community every two years to gauge program and intervention effectiveness
Promote sustainable agricultural practices
• Provide training in climate-smart agriculture practices at training centers
• Analyze current seed and plant varieties used to ensure the use of high-yield types
• Ensure grain storage systems are adequate
• Establish demonstration fields/agriculture training centers at each field site
Implement the sakondry project at each field site to provide a sustainable protein source
• Conduct community training to introduce and demonstrate sakondry farming methods
• Establish pilot sakondry sites at each field site to model best practices, monitor production, and gather data on yield, scalability, and nutritional benefits
• Create a sustainable supply chain for sakondry, facilitating distribution within communities and exploring opportunities for local markets to support ongoing food security and economic growth
Reduce reliance on forest resources for livelihoods
• Work with international NGOs and government programs to provide technical support, training, and financial assistance to communities adopting alternative livelihoods and conservation-friendly practices
Construct bridges to connect communities
• Work with international NGOs and government ministries to construct strategically placed bridges, allowing locals to access cities, markets, schools, health clinics, and hospitals
Implementing Women’s Healthcare
Access to healthcare in rural Madagascar is limited, especially for women, who often lack essential services such as reproductive health, prenatal care, and general medical assistance. This gap in care can lead to severe health issues, impacting both the women and their families. Without adequate health services, women are often forced to seek employment in extractive industries that harm the environment, contributing to habitat destruction. Providing women’s health services in these areas can improve community well-being while reducing the pressure on natural resources.
GOAL
Provide accessible and sustainable women’s healthcare at our field sites to improve the health and well-being of communities and reduce reliance on extractive industries.
KEY ISSUES
• Limited access to healthcare
• Financial barriers
• Environmental impact of health crises
• Cultural barriers
• Awareness
ACTION ITEMS
Partner with healthcare providers
• Establish partnerships with organizations such as Marie Stopes International to bring telehealth services, nurses, and OB/GYN specialists to rural communities at our field sites
Provide regular healthcare clinics
• Organize quarterly health clinics in rural areas where we work, focusing on women’s health, prenatal care, and reproductive services
Raise awareness and break cultural barriers
• Implement community outreach programs to educate families on the importance of women’s health and reduce the stigma around receiving medical care
• Provide key materials in Malagasy
Leverage telehealth solutions
• Explore the use of telehealth services for ongoing support and care in remote regions, allowing women to access medical professionals more regularly without the need to travel long distances
Address the environmental connection
• Educate communities on the link between health crises and environmental degradation, helping them understand how improved health can lead to more sustainable livelihoods and reduce reliance on extractive resources
Building Conservation Advocacy
Our conservation education strategy addresses the significant challenges faced by schools in Madagascar. Classrooms often lack basic resources such as electricity, books, and computers, if there is even a school in the community. Economic hardships prevent some children from attending school altogether, as many families cannot afford education costs or even meet their children’s nutritional needs. With nearly half of children in the country under the age of five malnourished, education must be flexible and accessible. We aim to develop empathy and appreciation for Madagascar’s unique wildlife while fostering a sense of responsibility and pride in local biodiversity. We will provide the children in our communities with the educational resources they need to be successful and the programs they need to become conservation advocates.
GOAL
Engage Malagasy children and communities in meaningful conservation education that inspires empathy for wildlife, enhances environmental awareness, and empowers local stewardship of Madagascar’s biodiversity.
KEY ISSUES
• Lack of primary and secondary schools
• Lack of educators
• Lack of classroom resources/educational supplies
• Economic barriers to education
• Malnutrition
• Lack of training
ACTION ITEMS
Grow International Chameleon Day
• Expand partnerships
• Create educational resources for all ages
• Leverage video on social media
• Encourage national and international events
• Encourage user-generated content
• Conduct extensive media outreach
Establish effective schools
• Build and/or rehabilitate 10 schools in the communities in which we work and supply them with the resources they need to be successful
• Begin a scholarship program to ensure that the most gifted and motivated children in need receive an education
• Assist with English instruction
• In partnership with local communities, create a lunch program, ensuring children are meeting nutritional needs and able to effectively learn
Foster empathy and appreciation for wildlife
• Implement hands-on, interactive programs that inspire both children and adults to connect with and care for the local wildlife, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for conservation
• Build up national pride for the natural heritage of Madagascar
• Take students to the forest to see wildlife in person
Expand access to conservation education
• Develop flexible education models that can be used in resource-limited classrooms and community settings, ensuring children can engage with conservation topics
Support educators with materials and training
• Provide teachers and community leaders with the tools, training, and resources needed to deliver conservation education, even in low-resource environments
Promote environmental and community well-being
• Link conservation education with lessons on the role of healthy ecosystems in supporting sustainable livelihoods, helping students and communities understand the benefits of conservation in their daily lives and becoming conservation advocates
Collaborate with local communities
• Engage local leaders, parents, and children in the design and delivery of conservation education programs to ensure cultural relevance and community buy-in
Bringing Prosperity to Local Communities through Ecotourism
Bringing prosperity to local communities by harnessing the power of ecotourism is one of the core tenets of our organization. By developing sustainable tourism offerings at each of our field sites, we can support conservation efforts while generating vital income for the communities that live alongside these protected areas. Through responsible and immersive travel experiences, guests will have the opportunity to witness Madagascar’s unparalleled biodiversity, contributing directly to the protection of ecosystems and improving local livelihoods. By creating meaningful partnerships and engaging investors, Wildlife Madagascar will position itself as a leading destination for ecotourism, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our conservation work.
GOAL
Establish a thriving ecotourism program that generates sustainable revenue to support Wildlife Madagascar’s conservation efforts while bringing prosperity and environmental stewardship to local communities.
KEY ISSUES
• Lack of infrastructure
• Limited investment in ecotourism development
• Broken internal flight system
• Lack of an international tourism marketing effort
• Marketing awareness and promotion
• Logistical challenges with remote locations
ACTION ITEMS
Create an ecotourism offering to cover operational costs at each site
• Find investors to enable the creation of an ecotourism experience for La Mananara, ASSR, and future field sites
• Explore partnering with Madagascar Classic Collection to develop a plan that safeguards the spiny forest around their tented camp to maintain the integrity of their guest experience
• Create a detailed marketing plan with tourism partner
Create a travel program
• Partner with Madagascar Classic Collection and San Diego State University on a Hospitality Internship program
• Develop a partnership with a Madagascar travel agency to arrange custom tours for Wildlife Madagascar members
• Work with US-based agents to develop high-end tours to Madagascar that include a visit to our Namoroka field site, and other sites as they are developed
• Create a long-range plan for our members and guests to visit our ecotourism properties exclusively
• Develop a partnership with conservation-minded US travel companies to bring their clients to our ecotourism properties
• Train local community members to fill ecotourism positions
• Develop tailored training programs to equip local community members with the skills needed for ecotourism roles, including hospitality, culinary roles, wildlife guiding, and cultural interpretation
• Collaborate with local schools and organizations to identify potential candidates and provide hands-on experience through internships and on-the-job training at Wildlife Madagascar’s field sites and ecotourism facilities
Growing Partnerships
Conservation is largely a people business. We rely on our team members, partners, students, volunteers, supporters, and donors to reach our conservation goals. Through training, hands-on field experiences, and strategic partnerships, we aim to cultivate a new generation of conservation leaders and advocates. By fostering local and international collaboration, we will enhance conservation capacity, expand our impact, and build lasting support for wildlife and habitat conservation across Madagascar.
GOAL
Create a robust network of conservation professionals, foundations, investors, ecotourism experts, and engaged volunteers who are committed to protecting Madagascar’s biodiversity.
ACTION ITEMS
Train the next generation of conservation leaders
• Contract Malagasy team members exclusively for field positions
• Recruit an international cadre of students seeking advanced degrees, each of whom will assist in training a Malagasy graduate student counterpart
• Bring Malagasy university classes to field sites for hands-on instruction
• Host international study abroad courses at field sites
• Build conservation capacity internally and within partner organizations
Develop a formal volunteer program
• Work with The Great Projects to implement an international wildlife volunteer program
• Market volunteer program
• Turn volunteers into members, champions, and fundraisers
Strengthen international partnerships
• Expand collaborations with international universities, NGOs, and governmental organizations to facilitate research, funding, and knowledge exchange
• Develop new partnerships with institutions that offer technical expertise in reforestation, wildlife corridors, and sustainable development
Expand our relationships with zoos and aquariums around the world
• Develop long-term relationships with zoos who have Malagasy wildlife under their care
• Deliver five presentations at zoos and aquariums worldwide each year
• Host animal care specialists and/or staff from partner zoos at our field sites each year
• Work with zoo partners to establish an AZA SAFE program for lemurs modeled after the Colobus Monkey SAFE program
Securing a Thriving Future through Financial Planning
Achieving financial stability is essential for our organization to fulfill its long-term conservation mission. As we expand our projects and protect more critical habitats across Madagascar, it is crucial to establish a resilient financial foundation. By diversifying our funding sources, cultivating strong donor relationships, and creating revenue-generating initiatives such as ecotourism partnerships and other programs, we aim to ensure sustainable funding for our operations. We will keep Wildlife Madagascar fully functional and relevant far into the future.
GOAL
Build a diversified and sustainable financial model that secures the resources necessary for Wildlife Madagascar’s ongoing conservation efforts, field operations, and organizational growth.
KEY ISSUES
• Need for increased donor engagement
• Insufficient fundraising infrastructure
• Reliance on limited funding sources
• Unpredictability of grant funding
ACTION ITEMS
Develop a long-term plan for financial sustainability
• Create an ongoing list of items for donor funding
• Establish a planned giving program
• Raise one million dollars for the endowment within 10 years
• Buy fundraising software with a membership module
• Build membership to over 10,000 individuals within 10 years
• Recruit new board members with the ability to grow our membership
Create a grant funding plan
• Establish a master plan for grant applications
• Send out 5-10 Letters of Inquiry each quarter
• Network to find introductions to, and develop relationships with, grant-making people and organizations
• Cultivate our top prospects by bringing them to at least one of our field sites
• Hire a grant writer
Develop alternative revenue streams through strategic partnerships
• Identify and partner with companies to feature Madagascar-grown products such as coffee, vanilla, or chocolate, which can support conservation goals while generating revenue
• Explore co-branding and licensing opportunities with sustainably minded businesses and promote Madagascar’s unique offerings
• Develop a model to market and sell Madagascar products with proceeds supporting Wildlife Madagascar’s conservation efforts
Conclusion
The Wildlife Madagascar Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines an ambitious path forward, centered on the preservation and restoration of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity while creating tangible benefits for local communities. With a focus on expanding habitat protection, restoring ecosystems, fostering conservation partnerships, implementing ecotourism facilities, and improving the livelihoods of those living near our field sites, we are committed to addressing both environmental and social challenges.
Through innovative programs in scientific research, conservation education, food security, and women’s healthcare, Wildlife Madagascar will ensure that the protection of Madagascar’s irreplaceable wildlife goes hand in hand with the well-being and prosperity of its people. The goals and actions outlined in this plan lay the foundation for achieving our bold vision: a future where both people and nature thrive together in harmony.
As we embark on this next phase of growth, we invite our members, partners, donors, and the communities in which we work to join us in securing a sustainable and biodiverse Madagascar for future generations. Together, we can make a lasting impact that will echo through time, preserving the natural beauty and cultural richness of this extraordinary island.
If you’d like a copy of this Wildlife Madagascar Strategic Plan 2025-2030, please click below.