GERP (Groupe d'Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar), Madagascar

Guardians of Madagascar: Protecting Lemurs, Preserving Ecosystems

ABOUT: GERP (Groupe d'Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar) is a Malagasy association dedicated to the conservation of lemurs in Madagascar. Since its foundation in 1994, GERP has established itself as a key player in the research and protection of lemurs in Madagascar. GERP currently manages 3 sites, with a total of 36,000 hectares.

Thanks to its ongoing efforts, the organization has achieved tangible successes, including the significant reduction in deforestation and bush fires in the New Maromizaha Protected Area since 2015. As a result, the lemur population living there has increased. Research carried out by GERP members on the behavior, ecology and genetics of lemurs has also contributed to the advancement of science and informed conservation efforts. In addition, GERP initiated the World Lemur Festival to raise awareness on the importance of lemur conservation, elevating this event to the status of International Lemur Day. This initiative welcomes the participation of numerous organizations and institutions in local, regional and even international celebrations. Furthermore, in close collaboration with the Malagasy government and the Primate Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), GERP has played a key role in the development and implementation of lemur conservation strategies in Madagascar.

Lemurs are much more than national symbols; they are the guardians of the ecosystem, essential as pollinators and seed dispersers. However, their survival is threatened by deforestation, poaching and the pressures of climate change. Extreme poverty in areas where lemurs live is also driving local communities to use natural resources such as wood and forests. This massive use of natural resources is destroying and reducing lemur habitats. These events underline the urgent need for concerted action to protect lemurs and their habitat. 

Through their 2024-2030 strategic plan, GERP is committed to mitigating threats to lemurs in order to ensure their prosperity. To achieve this, GERP's strategic plan is based on four main pillars: 

1. GERP is committed to the effective management of its model sites, including Maromizaha, Manombo and Mahadrodroka, by implementing best conservation practices to ensure viable habitats and thriving lemur populations, 

2. GERP values knowledge management to ensure the success of its conservation initiatives. Through a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning system, GERP aims to inform their actions on the management of key sites and external communication, 

3. GERP is committed to advocating for the protection of lemurs by collaborating with national, regional and local authorities, as well as with other organizations. 

4. By increasing its awareness-raising activities, GERP aims to encourage a change of attitude in favor of lemurs at national level.