Welcome to National Defenders, a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the protection and preservation of nature in Madagascar and beyond. Our vision is of a world where nature is not only protected and preserved, but also valued, thanks to the collective efforts of the conservationists we support. We strongly believe in the importance of celebrating and supporting these leaders who work tirelessly to preserve our planet for future generations.

OUR BEGINNINGS

It all started with a handful of environmental enthusiasts committed to raising awareness about the importance of conservation in Madagascar. We quickly realized that to make a real difference, it was not enough to simply engage in conservation actions. It was also necessary to actively mobilize resources, whether funding, equipment or expertise, and use them strategically to maximize their impact.
We also realized the importance of building the capacity of local actors, by offering them practical training and by supporting them on an ongoing basis so that they become leaders in the sustainable management of natural resources. And, above all, creating a strong network of support and collaboration has proven indispensable. This network allows us to build strong links between communities, share innovative ideas, and join forces with other organizations passionate about conservation.

WHY NATIORA DEFENDERS?

The word "Natiora" means “nature” in Malagasy, evoking the rich and diverse environment of our island, including its ecosystems, living species, and natural resources. Defenders means “defenders”, a term that embodies our mission to protect these natural treasures by putting them at the heart of our action.

The creation of Natiora Defenders responds to several alarming observations:

In Madagascar:

Madagascar has an exceptional biodiversity with more than 100,000 endemic species, including 90 % lemurs. This wealth is however threatened by deforestation, excessive exploitation of resources and the effects of climate change. The loss of more than a quarter of its tropical forests between 1990 and 2019 is truly critical, leading to serious damage to ecosystems.

Deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources and widespread poverty exacerbate these challenges. Lack of awareness about conservation is also a major problem. Although Madagascar is home to remarkable conservation leaders, many remain unrecognized, hampering the emergence of new leaders.

Globally:

Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution pose serious threats to vulnerable ecosystems and communities. Environmental injustices require an equitable approach to ensure a healthy environment for all. Although many conservation leaders exist around the world, coordination among them is lacking due to language and geographic barriers.
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