ICTE's Madagascar Conservation Programs
Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem Research, Education and Protection
The Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE), established by Dr. Patricia Wright of the State University of New York (SUNY) Stonybrook, encourages a multifaceted approach to tropical rainforest plant and animal conservation. Dr Wright, who discovered the golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus) during an expedition to Madagascar in 1986, has maintained a strong connection with the country and its tropical rainforests.
Centre ValBio Research and Training Centre
Immediately adjacent to the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar, the Centre ValBio (Centre di Formation International pour la Valorisation de la Biodiversite) is a research centre providing practical support for scientists working in the park. Centre ValBio is also a place for training field researchers. In addition to welcoming international students, ICTE supports Malagsay students both in Madagascar and in the United States.
The Packard Foundation Project
With funding from the Packard Foundation, ICTE has been working on a multidisciplinary project looking at tropical rainforest destruction. Combining Landscape Ecology, Cultural Anthropology, Behavioral Ecology and Applied Mathematics, the study is looking more closely at the interactions between local cultures and their environment.
The study hopes to provide a more accurate picture of the inter-relationship between humans and forest ecosystems and their impacts on biodiversity, especially the effects on endangered species. It will also aid students in learning to utilize such interdisciplinary approaches to study complex environmental and social issues.
Nando Peretti Foundation: A Future for Lemurs and Children
Increasing educational opportunities for children in the areas around Ranomafana National Park and other tropical rainforest habitats, developing public awareness programs to inform local people of the amazing biodiversity of their area and protecting endangered lemur species are the focus of this project. Local farmers are being involved in reforestation programs to reduce rainforest fragmentation and habitat degradation.
ICBG Drug Discovery And Biodiversity Conservation in Madagascar
The International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups, of which ICTE is a lead organization, are creating a program to survey local botanical biodiversity with a particular emphasis on finding new uses for local medicinal plants. The aid of local traditional healers is being used to learn about potential plants for further study. These plants will be utilized in developing sustainable local businesses to continue the discovery and development of medicinal plant products in Madagascar.
Earthwatch Projects
ICTE staff often lead Earthwatch expeditions. These trips provide an opportunity for anyone interested in helping with conservation research to join in the fun. Volunteers spend a few weeks in Ranomafana National Park observing lemurs and contributing to the knowledge of these endangered rainforest animals before they are lost.
