Madagascar has a population of around 20 million people approximately three quarters of these live outside urban areas in the countryside. Working closely with people is essential if we are to save the country's unique wildlife.
The country is one of the least developed countries in the world and the majority of people survive on less than $2 per day, which is the international poverty line. Education levels are low and access to primary education is limited. Equally Madagascar has the 13th fastest growing population in Africa and family sizes are becoming larger, increasing demands for food and materials.
Poverty is one of the main driving forces behind deforestation. people cut and burn forests (a process known locally as tavy) to make way for farming and cattle grazing. But as land becomes rapidly depleted of it's nutrients, this process continues to expand. Working with communities to find ways to improve their well-being and reduce pressers on their forests, is absolutely central to saving species on the island.
Durrell has developed a locally led community conservation model. we work with villages to identify the major challenges they face in using the natural environment and we link efforts to improve these problems to conservation initiatives. Through this process, we have supported the creation of village associations that lead local protection and monitoring efforts. these projects have led to reductions in burning and greater protection of remaining forest. Equally, through support from donors like the Jersey Overseas Aid Committee, we have been able to make a tangible difference to people's well-being by providing greater access to clean water, primary education, health and improved food security. Our projects now reach over 50,000 people around our field sites.
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