Socio-economic and Cultural Adaptation to Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change: Analysis and Intervention Efficacy Study in Three Madagascar Subsistence Communities

Madagascar is widely recognized for its unique biodiversity and its variety of ecosystems. However, Madagascar is losing its species richness due to increased human pressure, farming practices that cause habitat loss, and the unsustainable extraction of natural and forest resources. This Living Earth Collaborative seed grant project will document how residents in three rural Madagascar communities affected by biodiversity loss and climate change have responded to these negative impacts by making changes in their daily activities, agriculture, traditional ceremonies, handicraft and construction practices, and other plant uses. The researchers will then try to determine how educational interventions can be used to help increase knowledge and understanding of the importance of conserving biodiversity. The collaborators plan to work with local residents to propose conservation strategies appropriate to each local community and forest type.

Research Team

Armand Randrianasolo, Missouri Botanical Garden
Nivo H. Rakotoarivelo, Missouri Botanical Garden
Fortunat Rakotoarivony, Missouri Botanical Garden
Judi McLean Parks, WashU (Olin Business School)
Robbie Hart, Missouri Botanical Garden