Conservation news from the
S
ambava-
A
ndapa-
V
ohemar-
A
ntalaha region of NE Madagascar
DECEMBER 2015
Vol. 4, No. 2
I NS I DE TH I S
I S SUE :
S P EC I A L PO I NT S
OF I NTER E S T :
US Ambassador and Prime Minister of Madagascar Visit SAVA Conservation
On November 10, Duke Lemur Center SAVA Conservation was very honored to host US
Ambassador to Madagascar, Mr. Robert Yamate, and the Prime Minister of Madagascar,
Mr Jean Ravelonarivo. At the official ceremony, SAVA Conservation director Dr. Erik Patel,
and project manager, Lanto
Andrianandrasana, spoke briefly
about the main activities of SAVA
Conservation, followed by a short
question and answer period. We
then proceeded to the main focus
of this visit, which was the
donation of 93 quality raincoats
from the US Embassy to the CLP
guards, who work with the MNP
park agents and are very
important for the protection of
Marojejy
National
Park.
Ambassador Yamate emphasized
the
importance
of
the
engagement of local populations
for the protection of the parks and
reserves in Madagascar. Here is an excerpt from his speech:
“The protection of Marojejy
National Park and the other protected areas in the country cannot be done by the
government and law enforcement alone. It requires the engagement of the local
populations, of residents such as the many who are present here today, because
ultimately this is your country, your heritage, and your lives that are threatened when
protected areas are encroached upon, and natural resources stolen. I commend you for
your commitment.”
Prime Minister Ravelonarivo made a short speech to say that the
Malagasy government makes protection of the environment in Madagascar a priority, and
he thanked the US Embassy for their support in all aspects. The ceremony was closed with
a cocktail hosted by SAVA Conservation. The US embassy team accompanying Ambassador
Yamate are listed here:
Mr. Luke Zahner, Public Affairs Officer
Mr. Daniel Whyner, USAID Natural Resources Advisor
Mr. Salvador Molina, Political Officer
Mr. Handrimalala Raveloson, Press Assistant
Ms. Mirana Rakotoarison, Political and Economic Assistant
by Lanto Andrianandrasana
Erik Patel showing Ambassador Yamate the raincoat logo, with
Prime Minister Jean Ravelonarivo.
