Zoos contribute to Madagascar nature project

The four Libéma zoos, together with the nine other zoos affiliated with the Dutch Association of Zoos (NVD), will support a large-scale nature restoration project in Madagascar. Thursday, April 9 marked the official launch of this project.

The project in Madagascar is the first nature restoration project to be jointly supported by all NVD zoos. Through this initiative, the zoos are demonstrating what they stand for as a sector: caring for animals, both within the park and worldwide. According to NVD Director Wineke Schoo, this project marks the next step in the association’s development.

Schoo: “Over the past five years, Dutch zoos have collaborated more intensively than ever in the areas of animal welfare, education, and nature conservation. This joint project shows where we stand now as NVD zoos. We not only take good care of animals in our parks, but also take responsibility for the conservation of species and nature worldwide.” 

Biodiversity hotspot
Madagascar is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. A large proportion of its plant and animal species are found nowhere else. At the same time, approximately 80 percent of the original forest has disappeared. Without habitat, there is no future for the native species. 

The NVD zoos therefore want to collaborate with the Malagasy research center Centre ValBio to contribute to the restoration of entire ecosystems on the African island, so that endangered species there can once again have a sustainable habitat. They are therefore supporting a nature restoration project that will restore 250 hectares of rainforest in the eastern part of the country over the coming years. In collaboration with local communities and scientists, a total of 1 million trees will be planted.

Joint Effort
The Dutch Association of Zoos connects thirteen zoos in the Netherlands, which together welcome over ten million visitors annually. By pooling knowledge, resources, and international networks, they increase their impact in the field of nature and species conservation. With this project, they underscore their joint commitment to animal welfare, education, and international nature and species conservation. 

During the launch, all zoos were given an onion soup tree, as a symbol of the planting of 1 million trees and plants in Madagascar. These will be planted in the parks.

Click here for more information about the joint project.