{"id":329311,"date":"2025-04-01T14:37:34","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T13:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?p=329311"},"modified":"2025-09-01T14:38:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T13:38:10","slug":"the-power-of-knowledge-exchange-in-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/story\/the-power-of-knowledge-exchange-in-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"The power of knowledge exchange in conservation\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), IUCN NL and partners in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and the Seychelles are guiding ecosystem-based adaptation and conservation projects in this biodiversity hotspot \u2013 a group of islands with incredible species diversity and extremely high rates of endemism. In a series of articles we are highlighting some of these powerful projects.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n

Header photo: Type of chameleon living in Anja Park \u00a9 SAF FJKM<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

During CEPF\u2019s current investment phase in the Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands (MADIO) Biodiversity Hotspot, multiple exchange visits between grantees have taken place, providing valuable opportunities to learn from one another and share challenges, successes, and lessons learned. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

During supervision missions in Mauritius from June 2 to 13, 2024 and the Comoros from October 5 to 13, 2024, exchange visits were organized to facilitate peer learning. Monique Randriatsivery, RIT Leader for the MADIO Biodiversity Hotspot, reflected on the significance of these visits:  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

\u201cBy facilitating hands-on learning and capacity building, these exchanges equip conservationists with innovative ideas and best practices that can be adapted to their local contexts. They also foster strong networks, ensuring that conservation efforts are not isolated but part of a larger, interconnected movement. Through these visits, professionals can avoid repeating past mistakes, enhance adaptive management strategies, and stay motivated by witnessing positive conservation impacts elsewhere.\u201d  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n

Variety of orchids in the caves \u00a9<\/em> SAF FJKM<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

From December 16 to 19, 2024, an exchange visit was organized at the Anj\u00e0 Community Reserve for CEPF grant beneficiaries who actively collaborate with community organizations in their projects. Representatives from various associations and NGOs, including Tahosoa Alandriake Mitambatse Ianantsono Andatabo (TAMIA), Tambazotran\u2019ny Fokonolona Mitantana Harena Voajanahary eto Madagasikara (TAFOMIHAAVO), Ny Tanintsika, Malagasy teknisiana mivondrona ho Aro sy TEzan\u2019iZahamena ary ny Ala Atsinanana (MATEZA), Association PARTicipation A la Gestion de l\u2019Environnement (PARTAGE), MIANTSOROKA, and MAMPITA participated in the event.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

The exchange led to several positive outcomes, including an improved understanding of community-based management mechanisms, strengthened skills in ecotourism and conservation, and the sharing of best practices. Participants also gained practical tools to optimize natural resource management, boost community engagement, and create sustainable economic benefits. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

In late February, 2025, Maholy Ravaloharimanitra, country director of CEPF grantee The Aspinall Foundation, attended a workshop hosted by another CEPF grantee, Association Vahatra. Ravaloharimanitra shared:  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

\u201cWhat made this trip particularly valuable for me was the opportunity to see firsthand the remaining patch of highland forest while learning about the restoration efforts being carried out. I gained insights into how they manage and coordinate the production of seedlings, ensuring that collected species are representative of those present in the forest and available throughout the year. Additionally, I learned how they prepare the field in time for transplantation. I sincerely thank Association Vahatra for this opportunity\u2014it was far more enriching to witness the work in action rather than simply learning about it through a presentation.\u201d  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Beyond practical skills, exchange visits play a crucial role in shaping better policies, engaging communities, and strengthening partnerships. They foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, making conservation efforts more inclusive and effective.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

Recognizing the importance of knowledge exchange, CEPF will take advantage of the mid-term assessment in May 2025 in Antananarivo, Madagascar to invite representatives from all CEPF-funded projects, further reinforcing the commitment to shared learning and collective progress in conservation. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n

Participants in the exchange visit (c) SAF FJKM<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n \n\n
\n

CEPF grantees in Ferney region join forces\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n

The Ferney region is located in the South-East region of Mauritius, in the immediate periphery of the Key Biodiverstity Area (KBA) MUS 02 – Bambous Mountain Range. Ferney Ltd is a CEPF Large Grant beneficiary promoting a ridge to reef approach on its lands. Two Small Grant beneficiaries, namely Nature Technics and Pat\u2019s Nature Farm develop activities in and around Ferney\u2019s Agri Hub.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

The projects of the three CEPF grantees are as follows:  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n