An overdue catalyst: Limitations imposed by COVID-19 improved capacity building in community-led environmental education in Madagascar

Kathy West, Stacey Tecot, Amber D. Walker-Bolton, Cortni Borgerson, Patricia C. Wright, Lovasoa Razafindravony, Andry Andriamiadanarivo, Dina Andrianoely, Jean Celestain, Pascal Elison, Jessie Jordan, Arielle Liu, Ramanorintsoa F. Milliasse, Rhodin Rafidimanandray, Tolotra Ranaivoson, Clara Randimbiarimanana, Be Noel Razafindrapaoly, Madison Soule, Jaclyn R. Aliperti

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought many primatology research programs and conservation efforts to a halt. After Madagascar closed its borders during March 2020, many on-site international project leaders and researchers returned to their home countries when their programs were delayed or canceled. Madagascar remained closed to travelers until November 2021, when it reopened to international flights. The 20-month absence of international researchers allowed many local Malagasy program staff, wildlife professionals, and community leaders to step into new leadership roles and responsibilities. Many programs that already had strong Malagasy leadership and meaningful collaborations with local communities flourished, while others either swiftly strengthened these attributes or faced challenges from pandemic-related travel restrictions. Here, we describe how the coronavirus pandemic events of 2020–2021 initiated long-overdue shifts in outdated models of internationally led primate research and education projects in communities living alongside primates at risk of extinction. We discuss the benefits and challenges of pandemic-induced changes within five primatological outreach projects, as well as how we can use these experiences to improve community-led environmental education and conservation awareness in the future.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere23497
JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology
Volume85
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2023

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Madagascar
  • community-based conservation
  • education
  • local knowledge
  • primates

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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