The Mitsinjo Association (Mitsinjo) was formed in 1999 to restore rainforest adjacent to the Analamazaotra National Park by a group of local wildlife guides. Initially they organized and received support from the federal government and non-governmental organizations but the ultimate responsibilities for restoring and conserving the local ecological systems was accepted by community members.
Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM)
It is commonly recognized that indigenous peoples are the most knowledgeable caretakers of their homelands but how can rural communities continually protect biodiversity without secure financial backing? Community conservation requires a multi-pronged approach to achieve sustained local support. Part of Mitsinjo’s continued success is they recognize that community members have varied motivations for supporting conservation.
Tiny chameleon spotted on a guided night walk
Mitsinjo has implemented different programs in their 24-year tenure staying relevant to the concerns that they see within the region. Some of these projects include; building tree nurseries, training para-scientists to work with foreign researchers in the region, developing environmental educational programs for children, and employing personnel to maintain and the reserve’s infrastructure. As community members take on these responsibilities a sense of pride for their landscape is strengthened.
Revenue from tourism contributes to 1/3 of Mitsinjo’s annual budget. Though significant these funds are vulnerable to disruptions such as the Corona-19 pandemic caused. Third party financial contributions are as necessary as continued educational opportunities for sustained community conservation efforts.
During my brief visit I was moved by the beauty of Andasibe, the variety of wildlife and botanicals was astounding. Now that I understand a little bit about Mitsinjo’s history I have a new appreciation for the work that the local guides began all those years ago. The dedication of the wildlife guides, their families, and their community is as remarkable as the natural beauty of those Eastern Malagasy rainforests.
Wild Madagascar has strong links throughout Madagascar, they organized this trip for me.
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MADAGASCAR CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT, VOl. 10 | ISSUE S1 — MAY 2015 https://www.journalmcd.com/index.php/mcd/article/view/mcd.v10i1S4
Young Indri Indri waiting and looking for its parents. Gender is unknown until it begins to vocalize.
Forests can be replanted but the biodiversity of the old growth forests cannot be replaced. The authors of “Primary Forests are Irreplaceable for Sustaining Tropical Biodiversity“ Nature, (2011) successfully argue “…when it comes to maintaining tropical biodiversity, there is no substitute for primary forests.”