Madagascar
2023
Madagascar is a country of stark contrasts from paths through sharp spires of lava rock to dense rainforest to arid desert to pristine white beaches with turquoise blue waters. It is a country of immense resources of vanilla, metals, and gemstones. You can see the country is ruled by a corrupt government and their precious resources are hoarded by the residing President and his family, as well as abuse of the land which has left only 10% of the rainforest of a country that once was 90% forest. However, there is hope. Multiple science groups are working to reverse the damage. Duke University’s Duke Lemur Center has been building relationships in the country for several years and has an established reforestation project, as well as, educating students and families across the country on how to implement sustainable farming and the benefits of their unique animals and birds so they learn to protect their endemic wildlife.