Why Madagascar?
 Leaf-Tailed GeckoPhoto by Katie Browne |  Silky SifakaPhoto by Inaki Relanzon |
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 OrchidsPhoto by Kerry O'Neill |  Comet MothPhoto by Katie Browne |
 Silkworm (Antherina suraka)Photo by Katie Browne |  Rainforest by the seaPhoto by Katie Browne |
 Diadem SifakaPhoto by Kerry O'Neill |  ChameleonPhoto by Kerry O'Neill |
 "Paper Flower" fungus, MasoalaPhoto by Kerry O'Neill |  TenrecPhoto by Max Freedman |
The Red Island
Despite millions of dollars in conservation aid directed to Madagascar, its forests continue to be over-exploited, species continue to go extinct, and the island remains a global conservation priority.
New approaches to conserve Madagascar's unique plants and animals are needed and must address the economic development and food security of the Malagasy people, who are a vibrant mix of Indonesian, Persian and African cultures.
What's Left? Site Selection:
In the last 50 years, 40% of Madagascar's forests have been cleared. Sites supported by CPALI initiatives are located in northeastern Madagascar, in the largest remaining rainforested area in the country. A system of parks connect this landscape and protect the species within it, but there is pressure on the parks from all sides.
Over 300,000 people are estimated to have been economically displaced upon the creation of these parks. Designed to safeguard forests, their founding disrupted local peoples' access to forest resources for food and cash and created a need for alternative livelihoods and ways to ensure food security.
CPALI is responding to this challenge by supporting farmers to plant and maintain native species in their agroforestry plots to facilitate harvests of wild silk and raffia for locally-produced textiles. Farmers who become skilled in cocoon and raffia production can add about $200/year to their current yearly incomes of about $140/year.
