Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
As a nature lover, animal lover, and jewelry store owner, I read a National Geographic article recently, Sapphire Mining Fuels Lemur Deaths in Madagascar, and watched a documentary, “Island of Lemurs” by IMAX, and both upset me terribly about what is happening on the island of Madagascar and how the illegal gemstone mining is having a huge affect on deforestation, thus the lemur population, which has now become the most threatened group of mammals in the world. While the IMAX movie doesn’t state gemstone mining as a reason for the deforestation, the article definitely ties two and two together.
The average per capita income in Madagascar is $260.00 which makes it one of the poorest countries in the world. Approximately 70% of its population are living below poverty line and almost half of its children below five years old are malnourished. The illegal gem mining is part of what is feeding and taking care of the families in this country, so I can see why it’s difficult for the government to get involved in stopping it. Since there is little regulation or governing to guard against the illegal mining activities or deforestation, there is another way to help.
The Omaha Zoo Foundation began a non-profit entity in 2010 that they support called the Madagascar Biodiversity Project, https://madagascarpartnership.org. The Director, Dr. Louis began working in Madagascar in 1998, initially focusing on exploring biodiversity throughout the island. After 11 years, his work began to shift as he started using his research to solve real world problems in Madagascar. Their goal is working with the local communities to help restore and protect Madagascar's remaining forests and diverse wildlife, while creating innovative solutions to some of Madagascar's toughest challenges- so that nature and people can thrive together. One part of their mission is reforestation, and since their start in 2010, they have planted over 2.6 million new trees! (Count as of June 2019) To read about many of the ways the MBP is helping in Madagascar: https://madagascarpartnership.org/about-2/education-promoting-reforestation-project/.
I recently purchased a stone at the Tucson Gem Show for a customer. Its origin was Madagascar. I now wonder if it was an illegally mined stone and I feel saddened by my contribution to the lemurs demise while also knowing the sale of the stone may have helped provide for a family. These mixed emotions can be somewhat curbed if I know there is something I can do to help. The MBP is the solution.
This is just one of the many causes that we donate to in order to help make a difference in the world we live in.
https://donate.omahazoofoundation.org/give
If you or someone you know would like to donate to this cause personally, follow the link above. Be sure to use the drop down menu designating funds to Madagascar Biodiversity Project.
A Snapshot of MBP's Work from Brittani Robertson on Vimeo.
