The association is currently celebrating its thirtieth anniversary.
1994-2024. « Thirty years of passion, research, conservation and a few sleepless nights “. These are the terms in which Professor Ratsimbazafy Jonah, president of the Madagascar Primate Study and Research Group (GERP) and also president of the International Primatological Society (IPS), sums up the years of his association’s existence. Founded by the late Professor Rakotosamimanana Berthe, GERP is currently one of the most influential players in the conservation of primates, particularly lemurs in the country. A conservation that, over time, would have become difficult to carry out if we stick to the explanations of Professor Ratsimbazafy Jonah. The exacerbation of anthropogenic pressures on the natural environments of lemurs, the countless cases of illicit trafficking of these species or the rarefaction of individuals illustrate the situation well.
Perspectives. The mission of GERP remains that of “ reduce pressure on lemurs and their habitats.” The association claims not to lose sight of this mission. It is in the implementation of the programs and projects inherent to it that GERP has made known its vision of a Madagascar in 2050. Imagine this, Madagascar will be a sanctuary for biodiversity. A place where no species of lemurs will disappear. A country where lemurs will live in harmony with man,” launches the president of the IPS with wonder, surely already thinking about the results of the thousands of efforts undertaken by the actors of conservation. In this perspective, major advances have been initiated by the association in recent years. Creation of new protected areas, discovery of new species of lemurs including the microcebus Jonahi or the implementation of local development programs, some examples of the activities carried out by the association which is already projecting itself into the future.
José Belalahy
The post Study and Research Group on Primates: Thirty years of struggle for the conservation of natural heritage first appeared on Midi Madagasikara.
The article Study and Research Group on Primates: Thirty years of struggle for the conservation of natural heritage appeared first on Midi Madagasikara.