Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

Contractor:
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) UK

Project Code: 036-680-005

Start Date: 01-Mar-94

End Date: 01-Mar-97

Status: Completed

Type of Funding: Bilateral - NGO Block Grant

Project Background:
A combinationof a very high population growth rate of 3.2% and deforestation rate of 200,000 to 300,000 ha/year (Madagascar being the first country in the world to have such a high deforestation rate) means that the population pressure on natural resources is getting more and more severe.

In addition, 85% of the population of Madagascar is rural and relatively poor and therefore has limited means to use alternative resources.

As a result of this, only 10-12% of natural forest is left, which puts in danger the remaining 15% of surface which is rich in humus, and threatens the unique species of the island. Madagascar has an unusually high endemism rate of 85% for the flora and 80% for the fauna.

Project Objectives:
The objective of the project is to develop and implement and Environment Action Plan for Government and education of public on environmental issues.

Intended Outputs:
Integration and application of environmental education within all the official school curricula.

Translation of environmental eduction into practice on the field through:

- School reforestation projects.

- School tree nurseries.

- Improvement of the school's surroundings.

- Nature activities and school garden.

- Social activities by teachers, students and pupils.

Change of pupils' and students' behaviour and attitude towards Nature.

Raising adults' awareness through:

- Collaboration with local NGOs - mainly ASEs - and international ones.

Distribution of educational, audio-visual and media materials (eg ecology magazine VINTSY).

Direct support and assistance to schools.