rapid RESCUE in Madagascar

Madagascar is the world’s largest oceanic island and the fourth largest island overall. It contains a diverse range of ecosystems that host an exceptional array of species. Madagascar holds one of the greatest concentrations of evolutionary history anywhere and is considered among the highest biodiversity conservation priorities on Earth.

In early 2022, two category 3 cyclones made landfall on the east coast of Madagascar, killing more than 100 people, displacing tens of thousands of others, and knocking down everything in their path in the Kianjavato region, including protected forest habitat.

The Rapid RESCUE Fund is supporting Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership in restoring the Kianjavato Classified Forest, which provides vital habitat for nine species of lemurs, and rehabilitating damaged conservation infrastructure, as well as assisting local communities in building stronger resilience to future extreme weather events

Total project costs: $450,000 ($150,000 Rapid RESCUE funding; $300,000 co-financing)