Over £30,000 raised by Durrell supporters to help communities in Madagascar
Earlier this year, two powerful cyclones struck Madagascar just two weeks apart. The communities hit hardest include those around Baly Bay and Lake Alaotra, home to two of Durrell’s vital conservation programmes. Our incredible supporters raised £31,442, which meant we were able to provide vital supplies to the people most in need.
With this funding, alongside the £51,727 received from emergency grants, we were able to reach 2,230 people with essential food supplies and equipment in the immediate aftermath of the cyclones. This included:
- 3,780 kg of beans
- 22,377 kg of rice
- 2,230 kg of sugar
- 112 large cans of oil
- 4,460 bags of salt
- 2,230 bars of soap
- 2,230 buckets
- 11,150 plates
This immediate response has ensured the food security of remote communities, which would not have been possible without the generosity of our supporters.
We have been able to make repairs to the secure enclosures which house the Critically Endangered ploughshare tortoise and restore their security including repairing guard huts. Major repairs have also been made to their large, outside fenced areas including restoring wiring and electrified cabling and clearing firebreaks of flammable debris.
The team in Madagascar are continuing to deliver relief to more communities, as well as assessing the building needs of schools, health centres and community hubs in affected areas. While agricultural losses appear less severe than anticipated, the end of the rainy season means it’s not possible to replant key crops such as cassava and maize. The team are working with agricultural technicians to establish village vegetable gardens, offering a practical and immediate way to improve local food security.