Linking conservation and development in Madagascar Can a nature reserve become a driver for economic development in rural areas – without abandoning efforts to preserve and strengthen its globally unique ecosystems? GRET programme aims to improve food security and reduce poverty in six villages in and around Mananara Nord National Park on the island of Madagascar. This initiative involves supporting improved production systems – agriculture, forestry, fishing and small-scale stock rearing – and developing more sustainable sources of income. DURATION: 2015-2018 CHALLENGE: Natural Resources Management COUNTRY: Madagascar PARTNER: GRET CONTEXT Mananara Nord National Park, in the north-east of the island of Madagascar, has marine and forest ecosystems of outstanding natural value – which is why it is one of the 631 biosphere reserves created by UNESCO. Even so its natural resources are increasingly endangered by the combined effects of demographic growth in the neighbouring communities, the lack of arable land and the use of highly destructive practices including slash-and-burn agriculture, beach seine* fisheries and illegal rosewood trafficking. The region is also suffering the climatic variations associated with climate change, with increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes and more severe droughts. (*Seine or dragnet fishing uses a net that hangs vertically in the water, surrounding the fish shoals; often very fine-mesh mosquito nets are used). ACTION GRET has been present in Madagascar since 1999, and since 2012 has been working to support local populations in the management and protection of natural resources, by testing and developing improved production systems and more sustainable sources of income. The programme financed by Cartier Philanthropy and the French Development Agency is a logical extension of these preliminary initiatives. Its aim is to consolidate the initiatives undertaken and the alternative practices established in 11 core communities and 12 fishing areas in 6 villages of Mananara Nord (Imorona, Antanambe, Antanananivo, Antanambaobe and Sand- rakatsy). Specific programme initiatives include: The demonstration and dissemination of improved, diversified and economically viable techniques for agriculture, agroforestry, fishing and small-scale stock rearing, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and adaptation to climate change. For example: a) Using soil conservation techniques, such as cover crops of mucuna – a legume which limits erosion and regenerates soil fertility – using compost, or pineapple hedges on sloping ground; b) Installing small-scale hydraulic systems to assist water management on lowland rice plantations; c) Sustaining and intensifying lowland rice production and market gardening; d) Supporting the production and selection of high-quality seed; e) Improving livestock feeding and vaccination practices. Helping members of the communities and fishing areas to identify and develop income-generating activities based on improving techniques for processing, preserving and marketing the products of agriculture, agroforestry and fishing. Building community natural resource conservation capacity via exchange visits, training and workshops. EXPECTED RESULTS 12,500 people are capable of ensuring their own food security, with more stable income levels. Agricultural production is diversified and increased, traditional fishing is professionalised and better managed – with better conservation of fish products. 83,650 people benefit indirectly from the improved management of natural resources – in particular, improved water supplies within their catchment areas and sustainable fishery resources. Local and community organisations are able to value and manage their natural resources more effectively. LONG-TERM STRATEGY GRET is implementing this programme in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the French agricultural research organisation CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), effectively combining agricultural development, protection of natural resources, and social and economic development of local communities. Concepts of sustainable use of natural resources, community participation and skills transfer are at the heart of the programme and the activities promoted could be shared and replicated over the long term. .