Activities

Ethnoprimatology study

At Natior’Ala, we recognize that human activities increasingly impact primate well-being and interfere with conservation initiative. Madagascar’s endemic lemurs face a wide range of threats from human activities, such as hunting, logging, and slash-and-burn agriculture, in addition to threats linked to cultural beliefs that impact lemur protection and survival.

Our team conducted research in communities surrounding the Marotandrano Special Reserve to learn about human activities and the factors leading people to overly depend on the forest for resources. We also evaluated human attitudes towards lemur species and specific cultural beliefs and myths, as well as assessing local people’s willingness to participate in conservation efforts. Additionally, we conducted lemur population surveys in sites that have been negatively affected by high levels of human activities. Our goal is to develop conservation strategies that benefit both humans and lemurs in the area. This project was funded by the Rufford Foundation and International Primatological Society.

We believe that our research and conservation efforts will have a positive impact on the future of endemic species, like lemurs, and their habitats. Join us in our mission to protect Madagascar’s uniquely fascinating animals and preserve Madagascar’s natural treasures for generations to come.

Gradual progression

01

Conduct research

We conducted study examining the interaction between human and lemur.

02

Identify conservation issue

We identify the human-lemur interaction that hinder conservation implementation.

03

Start conservation project

We begin environmental education for school children and adults.

04

Evaluate progress

We evaluate the progress of the conservation project we have conducted and improve our strategy.

Future Activities

In the near future, we will be focusing on environmental education for primary school children in nine villages in the eastern part of the Marotandrano Special Reserve. Additionally, we will educate adults on the use of compost and sustainable agricultural practices.

Environmental education for school children and adults
Sustainable agriculture training and practice
Making and using compost
Learning and implementing agroforestry practices
Indigenous community health plan

Effective conservation measures come from the bottom up. It starts with the people who live in the forests and manage the lands that hold our most precious resources. In order to have workable, successful land and wildlife conservation, we must prioritize the people who are most easily forgotten.