This project will address two priority needs of the protected area:

• Updating the management plan, and
• Improving the infrastructure, equipment and facilities.

Updating the management plan

To write up and validate the management plan, Madagasikara Voakajy will organize three workshops. The first one will involve MV and MEDD team members and will focus on writing up the management plan based on the existing data and the new template provided by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar. The second workshop will present and validate the management plan at the regional level. The third workshop will present and validate the management plan at the national level. The final version of the management plan will be shared with all stakeholders in the relevant format and language.

Improving the infrastructure, equipment and facilities

Madagasikara Voakajy will acquire two new motorbikes during the first quarter of the project. This will allow the team to intervene more rapidly in the field. The grantee will build and equip an information centre in three villages: Andranomandry, Avolo and Mangabe, and run monthly awareness campaigns at these centres. It is expected that community members attend the campaigns and visit the centre regularly. Tent shelters will be established in Mangabe to welcome tourists.

As a direct result of this project, Madagasikara Voakajy expects to:

• Have an agreement with all stakeholders on the priorities for the next five years documented in the protected area’s management plan,
• Be able to reduce the transport costs to the sites and respond more promptly to community requests,
• Allow community members to always access information and get updates on a regular basis from the information centres,
• Plan for more regular tourism activities in Mangabe Protected Area.

On the long term, this project will contribute to reducing deforestation in Mangabe Protected Area, increasing community members’ knowledge and skills to manage the protected area, and improve their livelihoods through efficient agricultural techniques.