Fourth Quarterly Report October December 2017 Guy Randriatahina

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1 Fourth Quarterly Report October December 2017 Guy Randriatahina Lot IVH 169 N Ambohimanandray Antananarivo Madagascar

2 AEECL MEMBERS AEECL PARTNERS AEECL DONORS

3 Table of Contents 1. VIP Visit Inauguration Of School In Ambinda Visit of AEECL board member Ecotourism School meals World Lemur Festival Malagasy Primatological Society... 9 List of Photos Photo 1 : Welcome by children in Sahamalaza... 1 Photo 2 : Arrival of HRH Princess Royal... 1 Photo 3 : Introduction of the local officials Photo 4 : Going to the forest... 2 Photo 5 : The Princess Royal observing the lemurs Photo 6 : The Malagasy President observing the lemurs... 2 Photo 7 : Malagasy Presidents Speech... 3 Photo 8 : Preparation of the helicopter landing zone... 3 Photo 9 : Gary Batters (President) and Christoph Schwitzer (Vice-president) of the AEECL visit the old school in Ambinda... 4 Photo 10 : Welcoming ceremony Photo 11 : Traditional dance... 4 Photo 12 : Ribbon Cutting Photo 13 : Friendship meal... 5 Photo 14 : Children in front of the new school... 5 Photo 15 : Lunch with the staff in Ankarafa Photo 16 : Staff wearing football shirts donated by Gary Batters.6 Photo 17 : Tourists spotting lemurs in the forest Photo 18 : Singers from the local village of Marovato...6 Photo 19 : Cleaning of tents before storing Photo 20 : After dismantling tents... 7 Photo 21 : Preparation of the school meal Photo 22 : Rice cooking... 7 Photo 23 : Children eating their meal... 8 Photo 24 : Children in Ankarafa... 8 Photo 25 : AEECL representatives Guy Randriatahina and Brice Lefaux Photo 26 : Guy on the panel..9 Photo 27 : During the conference Photo 28 : Poster session... 9 Photo 29 : Conference Chair, Guy Randriatahina Photo 30 : Group photo of participants.10 Acronyms GERP: HRHPR: UK: UN: UNESCO: VIP: Groupe d'etude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal United Kingdom United Nations United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization Very Important Person

1. VIP Visit On the 25th October 2017, the AEECL field team welcomed some VIPs at the tourist camp, including Malagasy delegates and British delegates.

Mr Harison Randriarimanana and Minister of Employment, Technical and Vocational Training, Ms Toto Raharimalala Marie Lydia.

4 1. VIP Visit On the 25th October 2017, the AEECL field team welcomed some VIPs at the tourist camp, including Malagasy delegates and British delegates. The Malagasy VIPs composed of the President of the Republique, Mr Hery Rajaonarimampianina, the Minister of Environment, Ecology and Forest, Ms Johanita Ndahimananjara, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Harison Randriarimanana and Minister of Employment, Technical and Vocational Training, Ms Toto Raharimalala Marie Lydia. The British delegates consisted of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and her husband, the Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and some members of the British Embassy from Antananarivo. Some local officials such the Deputy Head of Analalava District, District Delegate of Ambolobozo, the Mayor of Ambolobozo, Chiefs of the villages of Ambolobozo, Antafiabe and Ambinda and the Head of Pedagogical administration area were also present. Teachers and school children from Ambolobozo and Ampasipitily came to Ankarafa. Approximately about 200 children were present. Photo 1 : Welcome by children in Sahamalaza Photo 2 : Arrival of HRH Princess Royal 1

This visit had been organized since August and a recce visit took place prior to the VIP visit. Three helicopters landed in Ankarafa to transport the VIP visitors.

Photo 3 : Introduction of the local officials Photo 4 : Going to the forest The visit was led by the AEECL Programme Director, Guy Randriatahina.

Only a few minutes after entering into the forest, the delegates saw one group of blue eyed black lemurs. The VIPs were amazed and delighted to see these lemurs.

He emphasized that without the painstaking work of the AEECL and the great contribution and assistance of the local community, the forest and the lemurs will disappear.

5 This visit had been organized since August and a recce visit took place prior to the VIP visit. Three helicopters landed in Ankarafa to transport the VIP visitors. Both the AEECL President, Gary Batters, and the Vice President, Christoph Schwitzer, travelled from Europe to join the local team during the VIP visit. Photo 3 : Introduction of the local officials Photo 4 : Going to the forest The visit was led by the AEECL Programme Director, Guy Randriatahina. He welcomed the VIPs and introduced them to the local guests. Afterwards, the AEECL Programme Director took them to the forest. Only a few minutes after entering into the forest, the delegates saw one group of blue eyed black lemurs. The VIPs were amazed and delighted to see these lemurs. During the visit, the AEECL Programme Director explained all about the AEECL project. He emphasized that without the painstaking work of the AEECL and the great contribution and assistance of the local community, the forest and the lemurs will disappear. Photo 5 : The Princess Royal observing the lemurs Photo 6 : The Malagasy President observing the lemurs Before leaving the forest, the Malagasy President gave a short speech to the local community and children. In his speech, the President mentioned that lemurs belong to the local people, they are our national heritage and people can get local benefit in protecting lemurs. He also noted that HRH the Princess Royal had come all the way from the UK just to see the blue eyed black lemur, therefore local community should protect lemurs and their habitat and he encouraged the local community to take part in reforestation. The visit went very well. We offered food for the community and children who were present during the VIP visit. 2

Photo 7 : Malagasy Presidents Speech Photo 8 : Preparation of the helicopter landing zone As well as the visit to Sahamalaza ȋles Radama National Park organized by

forest in Faliarivo, Visit to Diego Suarez military cemetery in Polygone III route de Ramena in Antsiranana, Visit to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust duck

village Sambava, Meeting with the representatives from Transaid projects in Madagascar in Antananarivo, HRH the Princess Royal also attended a service of

6 Photo 7 : Malagasy Presidents Speech Photo 8 : Preparation of the helicopter landing zone As well as the visit to Sahamalaza ȋles Radama National Park organized by the AEECL, the VIP group also visited the following areas: Bureau municipal d'hygiène in Isotry Antananarivo, Silk village project in Soatanana and community managed forest in Faliarivo, Visit to Diego Suarez military cemetery in Polygone III route de Ramena in Antsiranana, Visit to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust duck captivity centre and they opened the Fotsimaso interpretation centre in Antsohihy, Visit to the Save the Children Centre and vanilla farming project in Mandena village Sambava, Meeting with the representatives from Transaid projects in Madagascar in Antananarivo, HRH the Princess Royal also attended a service of thanksgiving to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship between the UK and Madagascar in Saint Laurent Anglican cathedral in Ambohimanoro Antananarivo. 3

2. Inauguration Of School In Ambinda Many schools in Sahamalaza are in bad condition because they were mainly built by the villagers themselves. The walls are bad and the roof leaks.

This village was chosen because the villagers were very active in the environmental activity such as participation in the firefighting in Anabohazo, firebreak maintenance in Ankarafa and

The construction started in July and lasted 4 months. The villagers helped the school construction and were cooperative during the construction period.

7 2. Inauguration Of School In Ambinda Many schools in Sahamalaza are in bad condition because they were mainly built by the villagers themselves. The walls are bad and the roof leaks. In order to offer a better classroom for the children surrounding the Sahamalaza National Park, the AEECL built a new school in Ambinda village. This village was chosen because the villagers were very active in the environmental activity such as participation in the firefighting in Anabohazo, firebreak maintenance in Ankarafa and reforestation. This village is also the front door either to come to Ankarafa or to Anabohazo. The new school was a primary school including 2 rooms and one toilet block. The construction started in July and lasted 4 months. The villagers helped the school construction and were cooperative during the construction period. They offered the land, accommodated the contractor and also participated in the collection of water. Photo 9 : Gary Batters (President) and Christoph Schwitzer (Vice-president) of the AEECL visit the old school in Ambinda The inauguration of the school took place on 24th October During the inauguration ceremony, the following stakeholders were present: the AEECL President Gary Batters, Vice- President Christoph Schwitzer and the Programme Director Guy Randriatahina, the Chief of Ambinda village and others Chiefs of villages, the Park Director, and the Dean. Many teachers and villagers also attended the inauguration ceremony. Villagers and children welcomed the AEECL board members and performed traditional songs and dance. Photo 10 : Welcoming ceremony Photo 11 : Traditional dance 4

The ribbon was cut by the board members of the AEECL to officially open the school.

The new school is a dream come true for the children and we wish them the very best academic success.

Visit of AEECL board member Three members of the AEECL board visited Sahamalaza in October and November.

8 The ribbon was cut by the board members of the AEECL to officially open the school. After cutting the ribbon, the board were invited to share a friendship meal organized by the villagers. The new school is a dream come true for the children and we wish them the very best academic success. Photo 12 : Ribbon Cutting Photo 13 : Friendship meal Photo 14 : Children in front of the new school 3. Visit of AEECL board member Three members of the AEECL board visited Sahamalaza in October and November. As mentioned above, Gary Batters, the President of the AEECL and the Vice-president Christoph Schwitzer, travelled to Madagascar to take part in the Royal visit and the new school inauguration in October. In November, the AEECL Treasurer Brice Lefaux, visited the site to help with the annual AEECL audit. During their stay Gary, Christoph and Brice visited the 5

tourist and research camps to assess the conservation activities and met with AEECL staff in Antsohihy and in the field.

Ecotourism During October, the tourist camp welcomed two groups of tourists.

They came from Nosy Be by boat and did the same trip on the way back. As usual, they stayed two nights at the tourist camp.

the afternoon visiting the research camp and watching traditional dances performed by villagers surrounding the Ankarafa forest.

9 tourist and research camps to assess the conservation activities and met with AEECL staff in Antsohihy and in the field. Photo 15 : Lunch with the staff in Ankarafa Photo 16 : Staff wearing football shirts donated by Gary Batters 4. Ecotourism During October, the tourist camp welcomed two groups of tourists. The first group was made up of 18 tourists and 13 tourists for the second group. The tour was organized by travel company, Madafocus. They came from Nosy Be by boat and did the same trip on the way back. As usual, they stayed two nights at the tourist camp. The activities remained the same as previous tourist visits which consisted of visiting the forest to see lemurs in the morning and in the afternoon visiting the research camp and watching traditional dances performed by villagers surrounding the Ankarafa forest. Photo 17 : Tourists spotting lemurs in the forest Photo 18 : Singers from the local village of Marovato These groups are the last visitors that we have planned to receive in Therefore, all tents were disassembled and stored in a safe place. 6

Photo 19 : Cleaning of tents before storing Photo 20 :

bent. They were blown by the helicopter during the

These poles should be repaired before using them. 5.

One was organized during the VIP visit in Ankarafa on

10 Photo 19 : Cleaning of tents before storing Photo 20 : After dismantling tents Some poles of the tent were bent. They were blown by the helicopter during the recce visit prior to the VIP arrival. These poles should be repaired before using them. 5. School meals Two school meals were organized. One was organized during the VIP visit in Ankarafa on 25th October 2017 and the second one in Ampanitoa village in November In total, 280 children were fed during these activities. Photo 21 : Preparation of the school meal Photo 22 : Rice cooking 7

World Lemur Festival on 10th November 2017.

11 Photo 23 : Children eating their meal Photo 24 : Children in Ankarafa 6. World Lemur Festival Despite the ongoing growth of the pnemonic plague which is currently affecting parts of Madagascar, GERP and its partners still celebrated the fourth edition of the World Lemur Festival on 10th November Usually, the World Lemur Festival lasts 3 days but due to the plague, the fourth edition took place only on one day as it was still forbidden to gather people in a public place. Therefore, the festival was held at the indoor gymnasium of the University of Antananarivo and only invited persons assisted to the festival. The activities undertaken in the indoor gym were a carnival, a panel discussion, dance and sketch performances and exhibition stands. 8

The AEECL Vice President Christoph, Brice the AEECL Treasurer and Guy, the Programme Director, were invited during the opening ceremony.

Photo 25 : AEECL representatives Guy Randriatahina and Brice Lefaux Photo 26 : Guy on the panel GERP with the support of the Malagasy Commission for UNESCO plan to

Starting a National Lemur Day with the Malagasy government is one of the goals for the coming years so that awareness reaches and involves national and international

The congress theme was Valuing the achievements on Lemur Conservation and Research in Madagascar. The congress was organized by GERP.

12 The AEECL Vice President Christoph, Brice the AEECL Treasurer and Guy, the Programme Director, were invited during the opening ceremony. Guy was also one of the panelists during the conference. Photo 25 : AEECL representatives Guy Randriatahina and Brice Lefaux Photo 26 : Guy on the panel GERP with the support of the Malagasy Commission for UNESCO plan to advocate to UNESCO (UN) for a World Lemur Day. Starting a National Lemur Day with the Malagasy government is one of the goals for the coming years so that awareness reaches and involves national and international entities. 7. Malagasy Primatological Society The Malagasy Primatological Society Congress took place at the University of Toamasina in December 12 th -16 th. The congress theme was Valuing the achievements on Lemur Conservation and Research in Madagascar. The congress was organized by GERP. Keynote speakers included Steve Goodman who presented the extraordinary ecosystem of Madagascar recently disappeared, Josia Razafindranamana who talked about the Ambatovy project and their conservation activities and Sylviane Volampeno presented Saving endangered lemurs: Who is responsible? There were 44 oral presentations and 26 posters. Participants can present in either English or French language. Photo 27 : During the conference Photo 28 : Poster session 9

This was the first international congress organized by the Malagasy people and the goal was mainly to provide an opportunity for the Malagasy students

It was a success as a first congress organized by the Malagasy people, the organization was good and was positively received by participants.

13 This was the first international congress organized by the Malagasy people and the goal was mainly to provide an opportunity for the Malagasy students and primatologists to share their research and networking with other primatologists. It was a success as a first congress organized by the Malagasy people, the organization was good and was positively received by participants. Malagasy participants represented 80% of the participants. The AEECL Programme Director, Mr. Guy Randriatahina was the Chair during the conference. Photo 29 : Conference Chair, Guy Randriatahina Photo 30 : Group photo of participants 10

Fourth Quarterly Report

Fourth Quarterly Report January 2016 Guy Randriatahina, Programme Director Lot IVH 169 N Ambohimanandray Antananarivo Madagascar 1 These activities were carried out with the support and contribution of