Interview with Mamy Razafitsalama
How did you develop your passion for conservation and come to work for Planet Madagascar?
Since I was a child I have been fascinated by lemurs. I loved watching them jump from tree to tree. Even though my family thought I was crazy I knew I had to study lemurs. I studied at the University of Antananarivo, where I focused on Science and got a degree in primate behaviour and ecology. Madagascar is unique in the world with regard to the richness of its endemic (only found in Madagascar) plants and animals, including lemurs. However, much of the incredible diversity of Madagascar is also threatened with extinction. I decided to do something about it and partnered with Travis Steffens from Planet Madagascar to create a holistic community-driven conservation organisation.
Could you tell us more about the work done by Planet Madagascar, and what your role is in the organisation?
Planet Madagascar is a conservation, education and community development not-for-profit organisation that aims to create sustainable forest communities in Madagascar. We work to improve the lives of local residents within Ankarafantsika National Park by building capacity and working to alleviate poverty. We have completed household surveys to learn more about each community’s needs and interests with regards to conservation and community development. We have also helped create a woman’s cooperative focussed on sustainable agroforestry and forest restoration. We are now in the midst of a fire management and forest restoration initiative and are always working on conservation education in and around the communities we work with. As In-Country Director and Operations Manager, my role is to oversee the implementation of all on-the-ground projects in Madagascar.