Global Symposium Produces "Madagascar Declaration:" A global environmental conference that recently concluded in Madagascar pointed to Africa’s rich biodiversity as fundamental to achieving sustainable development and reducing poverty. The symposium, organized by Conservation International, brought together more than 450 international representatives from governments, the private sector, NGOs, and local African communities. A declaration issued at the close of the event highlighted Madagascar’s commitment to triple its protected area systems as a demonstration of “how biodiversity can serve as the basis for the nation’s sustainable development -- boosting economic growth, reducing poverty, sustaining agriculture potential, supporting health-care and education, and strengthening civil society.” The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) has provided more than $27 million to enable civil society groups to help conserve the biodiversity of Madagascar and five other hotspots in Africa.

• Read the full announcement.
• Visit the symposium Web site.
• Download the complete declaration (PDF): English / Français