Local people and project Angonoka - Conservation of the ploughshare tortoise in north-western Madagascar

Abstract

Project Angonoka, in its aim to conserve the endangered angonoka or ploughshare tortoise Geochelone yniphora in north-western Madagascar, has given a high priority to working with local people. Many of the environmental changes threatening the angonoka also cause difficulties for local people. An environmental awareness campaign has used the angonoka as a main theme, as an animal unique to the region whose near extinction symbolizes the impact of environmental changes occurring in the area. This campaign has stimulated the creation of village environmental associations. The activities undertaken by these associations have demonstrated a local willingness to manage and conserve their environment, and show how promotion of a flagship species can stimulate more general environmental conservation and sustainable development.