The world news about Madagascar has not been very positive lately. Indeed, Madagascar has been and continues to be faced with several challenges. However, there is a considerable amount of good news regarding efforts to preserve its biodiversity.
Under the co-leadership of FAPBM and MNP, communications officers from several conservation stakeholders have agreed to progressively align communication efforts to significantly strengthen support from different strategic audiences and target groups for the implementation of Madagascar’s protected area system as the number one approach to achieving the national biodiversity vision.
A creativity seminar
Group works have highlighted opportunities for improving awareness towards targeted groups; and a plan has been agreed upon on the next steps to take in order achieve this, in terms of the contribution of Madagascar’s protected areas as agents of change in reducing poverty among local communities and leading to sustainable development of local andregional economies.
Sustainable marine and coastal development, Dutch expert, Lida Pete-Soede facilitated the brainstorming sessions.Two local communication experts also agreed to share their experience. Aina Dedem Ranaivoarilala of the LogiasStudios Agency addressed three major principles in communication: Identity, Visibility and Credibility. On her side, Jamina Canicave, from the Sango Media Agency, elaborated on the major challenge of communication projects: having impact.
Putting forth local experts and communities
At the same time, communication about protected areas should be reoriented towards a positive narrative andhighlight the effectiveness of conservation organizations in Madagascar, the committed and competent local experts, the strategies implemented in collaboration with local communities and the government, and above all the positive results obtained.
A shift in the narrative to the ecosystem and socio-economic functions of protected areas and .to the opportunity to work across the protected areas as agents of change will significantly enhance the support for protected area strategies from all environmental groups.
Joining the Protected Areas Communicators Group
The participants in this workshop come from the following institutions: Turtle Survival Association (TSA), Groupe d’Études et de Recherche sur les Primates (GERP), Blue Ventures, Institut Malagasy pour la Conservation des Écosystèmes Tropicaux (MICET), WWF, Madagasikara Voakajy, Missouri Botanical Garden, The Peregrine Fund, NGO L’Homme et l’Environnement, Madagascar National Parks (MNP), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle,Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar, Asity, WCS, Kew, Fanamby, Tany Meva, Conservation International, Sadabe, Madagascar Protected Areas and biodiversity Fund (FAPBM).
