The current set of priority biodiversity conservation needs for the Madagascar portion of the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands Hotspot stem directly from the 1995 Conservation Priority-Setting Workshop (CPW), which more than 100 of the world's foremost experts in the biology of Madagascar attended. These experts were organized into thematic groups (taxonomy, paleontology, socio economics) in order to identify conservation and research priorities. This workshop proved to be a catalyst for new efforts to address the severe threats facing Madagascar's forests, such as the Second Environmental Action Plan (PE2) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) programs. Several significant recommendations were put forward as a result of the priority-setting workshop, and these remain the initial priorities for new project funding: to extend the protected area system, to develop biological research systems that function beyond the existing protected areas, and to develop corridors of protected areas between remaining blocks of forest and existing protected areas.
Using the results of the CPW, and monitoring the implementation of the GEF programs and PE2, the CEPF ecosystem profile outlines the biological importance of the ecosystem, the current threats it faces, and the current level of investment toward conservation by different donors, NGOs, and government agencies. Based on this review, a proposed strategic focus for CEPF is presented that complements past recommendations and current conservation efforts. This focus is summarized in an investment strategy aimed at delivering six main outputs:
- establishing mechanisms for integrating local groups and individuals in the management of protected areas and reserves;
- developing private sector conservation initiatives such as plantation forestry and nature tourism;
- supporting biodiversity conservation and management training;
- promoting advocacy and awareness;
- establishing a Biodiversity Action Fund to respond to critical, unanticipated conservation needs; and
- creating a participatory coordination network to ensure continuity of the overall program.
The purpose of the investment strategy is to facilitate effective participation by nongovernmental and other private-sector organizations in the conservation of biodiversity in Madagascar. To be eligible for funding under this ecosystem profile, a project must not only contribute to one or more of the strategic funding outputs, but must also meet the following general criteria:
- Project execution must be within World Bank client countries that have ratified or otherwise acceded to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (Madagascar meets this criteria).
- Project funding may by no means result in the physical relocation of people, be used for the purchase of land, be directed toward a government entity, or be used for the capitalization of Trust Funds or other similar financial mechanisms.
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