Protecting Threatened Lemur Habitat in Madagascar

During the last six months, the communities of Sainte luce, Ebakika and the wider Mahatalaky commune have been preparing for peak fire season, currently ongoing in Madagascar. A mass mobilisation event was held in each community to emphasise the importance of fire management and prevention strategies, the importance of lemur conservation and included a demonstration of the mitigation tools. To date, 50 fire beaters have been distributed and additional training sessions were held to prepare for peak fire season (pictured). Shortly after, the communities’ skills and tools were successfully put to use!

The first big test arrived in September. The Sainte Luce community responded to a bush fire using the fire beaters and demonstrated techniques very effectively. October also saw large fires burn the grasslands in Ebakika and Sainte Luce. Again the communities fought it well and showed appreciation for the materials: “Thank you for the fire beaters! They are perfect and make fighting the fires easier.” said one community member. Additional training sessions are being planned for another community and more materials have been purchased to allow the communities to better mitigate fires in the area and continue to protect lemur habitat.

Last month, on the 16^th and 17^th of June, Project Ala celebrated World Environment Day (WED) in Sainte Luce. Over the course of two days, SEED joined together with over 500 people in the community, including 350 students and almost 100 women from SEED livelihood programmes. While Project Ala specifically works to increase and improve viable habitat for lemurs, WED was an effective way to celebrate all of the community’s unique surroundings and encourage environmental action throughout the entire community.

Festivities began on the Thursday, with an opening ceremony held at the office of the village head, Chef Fokotany. SEED national staff, and representatives from the ministry and forest management committees introduced themselves and presented on the significance of WED. In the evening, SEED staff delivered an informing presentation on ecosystem services, fauna and flora protection, as well as an update on SEED’s ongoing environment and conservation projects, including Project Ala. Additionally, SEED’s beekeeping project (Project Renitantely), reforestation project (Sekoly Maintso) and conservation project (Project Palm) were presented on to raise awareness for some of the many ways to protect and care for the environment. Once presentations were completed, the fun commenced with music and dancing in celebration of promoting positive change. And this was only day one!

The following morning, students from two local schools, women involved in SEED’s livelihood programmes, forest management officials and SEED staff came together for a carnival through Sainte Luce, having set off from Manafiafy beach. After ending the procession at the Chef’s office, there was a closing ceremony involving more speeches and games. Finally, students were invited to answer questions for a chance to win prizes and showcase their new knowledge on the environment. Ultimately, Project Ala fulfilled its aims of increasing positive associations with local species, promoting environmental education, and inciting enthusiasm within Sainte Luce, bringing the community together to celebrate the environment and the work of Project Ala.