Madagascar Wetlands Receive Protected Status

The Madagascar Government has placed the Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetlands under protected status and in doing so has taken a significant step towards a stronger conservation agenda for the country's future. The region is listed as an Important Bird Area and is home to a rich variety of wetland bird species, some of which are threatened and most of which occur nowhere else in the world.

The protected area will be approximately 3000 km² and includes not only freshwater wetland habitat but also forests, savannas, and caves. In addition to providing valuable habitat for birds, the region supports populations of crowned sifaka and Madagascar big-headed turtles.

Since the Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetlands provides indispensable resources to local peoples, the protection plan encompasses sustainable, managed use of the area. BirdLife International has been working in the region for several years to coordinate the necessary efforts to enable the balance between people and the wetlands.

Find out more: Madagascar Protects Wetlands Crucial for People and Birds (BirdLife International)

Photos © Marc Rabenandrasana, courtesy of BirdLife International. Top image: Sakalava Rail. Bottom image: Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetlands in Madagascar.