Chester Zoo & Madagasikara Voakajy partnership
Our partnership with Madagasikara Voakajy
We have worked in successful partnership with Madagasikara Voakajy for almost 15 years, delivering conservation projects and preventing extinction of crucial species endemic in Madagascar. This has all been done while supporting local communities to develop sustainable livelihoods.
In 2015, Mangabe Reserve was created. This space is a 27,346 hectare area of protected and controlled land, and is Madagasikara Voakajy’s flagship project, supported by Chester Zoo.
Madagasikara Voakajy manage Mangabe Reserve and work closely with the local and immigrant communities who call Mangabe home to care for, regenerate and make the best sustainable use of the forest’s resources.
This partnership hugely benefits both of our conservation charities. We have provided financial and programme support to Madagasikara Voakajy, and Madagasikara Voakajy has provided expert conservational knowledge and ecological expertise to our zoo team.
Who are Madagasikara Voakajy?
Madagasikara Voakajy is a Malagasy biodiversity organisation dedicated to enabling communities to live in harmony with nature. Working within local communities, Madagasikara Voakajy’s talented conservation team harnesses the knowledge and strengths of people who call the protected areas of Madagascar home to reverse the decline of threatened species.
They exist to reverse the decline of endangered species in their natural habitats, with a focus on driving conservation through engaging local communities. They harness collective knowledge and resources to restore and protect the biodiversity of the local habitats.
Why we need your help
The situation in Mangabe is now dire. Mangabe is the first reserve in Madagascar classified as Critically Endangered. Between 2015 and 2023, 6,119 hectares of forest were lost- that is over 22% of its total size. Today, only 5,475 hectares remain. With an annual loss rate of over 2%, key ecological functions could vanish within three years, and the forest may disappear entirely within 10 years. We have to act now before its too late.
This stark reality underscores the urgency of Madagasikara Voakajy’s mission: to restore Mangabe’s ecosystems, protect its biodiversity and ensure wildlife there can survive and thrive long into the future.
Our partnership with Madagasikara Voakajy (MV) represents a powerful opportunity for both corporations and individuals to make a measurable impact on global biodiversity, community resilience, and environmental sustainability. This partnership not only protects endangered species and habitats in Madagascar but also actively contributes to broader global goals, making it a strategic investment for any entity committed to ESG, SDG, and CSR principles.
The impact of your support
Funding from donors, grantmakers and corporate partners help Madagasikara Voakajy to carry out their vital work to save the Mangabe rainforest and wildlife.
Here are the key projects that urgently require funding.
Habitat restoration
MV are working to rebuild lost ecosystems by restoring 120 hectares with over 50,000 seedlings to ensure long-term habitat stability, a key factor in improving conservation status.
Mangabe Nurseries
MV have established 5 nurseries across 10 villages that surround Mangabe. A highly treasured and collaborative communal resource, MV’s nurseries stand at the heart of their communities, alongside community information centres and schools. Crucially, nurseries provide stable and paid employment, reducing pressure on households to exploit the forest and providing income for children to attend school. Due to budget constraints, only one of 11 nursery workers are currently full time and permanent.
Species-saving research
MV track biodiversity trends, monitor 10 key species, map habitat shifts across 6,119 ha, and update the IUCN Red List status for 3 critical species through the provision of scientific proof of progress.
Community engagement
MV work tirelessly to empower the local population to lead conservation on the ground. Their outreach work supports over 200 households to embrace sustainable practices and they have worked to integrate conservation into 2 schools ensures that local communities become long-term protectors of Mangabe.
Forest protection
Forest patrollers who help to protect the fragile biodiversity of the Mangabe reserve, help to mitigate the impact of our changing climate, and help to create pathways out of poverty for individuals and families. More patrons equals more protection and less deforestation – and is vital for the conservation of the Mangabe reserve.
Sustainable livelihoods
MV have created women’s groups which help to create pathways out of poverty for individuals and families and seek to address the underlying causes of poverty while providing opportunities for creating more sustainable livelihoods. MV’s literacy programmes have reached 120 local participants
How it all started
In 2004, the golden mantella frog was one of the amphibian species most at risk of extinction, classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Availability of the tiny forest pools that it relies on to breed had been steadily declining due to deforestation and mining such that fewer than 100 remained in good condition by 2019.
As the first project in partnership between Chester Zoo and Madagasikara Voakajy, our work together has helped to save the golden mantella from extinction.
The Madagasikara Voakajy team expertly studied the frog’s development and microclimatic needs – and the knowledge gained has advanced our understanding of how to protect them.
How your support can make a huge difference
Drive habitat restoration & reforestation
By helping MV to rear and plant almost 9,000 nursery seedlings, helping to reforest the Mangabe reserve.
Aid sustainable livelihoods
Provide stable and paid employment for six households through creating sustainable livelihoods such as nursery working, fabric making and jam making.
Promote sustainable farming
Disseminate agroecological techniques to up to 800 households in Mangabe, promoting sustainable farming techniques
