Madagascar, the path to biosphere reserve status

09min | 05/23/2025

Description

In this episode, we travel to Madagascar, where efforts are underway to designate several areas as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These sites aim to blend ecological conservation with local community development, offering a model for sustainable practices in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

We hear from volunteer expert Djafarou Ali Tiomoko, Director of Pendjari National Park, and Hélène Le Brun from the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. Djafarou shares his experiences from a recent mission to Madagascar, where he and his colleagues worked closely with local stakeholders to navigate the complex process of becoming part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Hélène explains the importance of Biosphere Reserves and how they serve as models for balancing conservation with sustainable development.

This episode also takes us to the heart of Madagascar’s conservation efforts, exploring how local communities, science, and policy are coming together to protect the island’s incredible biodiversity while promoting long-term sustainability.

Tune in to discover how Madagascar’s journey to becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve can inspire global solutions to environmental challenges.

An episode hosted by Katharine Lovatt and produced by Ilse Campos and Emmanuel Rudowski.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode, we travel to Madagascar, where efforts are underway to designate several areas as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These sites aim to blend ecological conservation with local community development, offering a model for sustainable practices in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

We hear from volunteer expert Djafarou Ali Tiomoko, Director of Pendjari National Park, and Hélène Le Brun from the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. Djafarou shares his experiences from a recent mission to Madagascar, where he and his colleagues worked closely with local stakeholders to navigate the complex process of becoming part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Hélène explains the importance of Biosphere Reserves and how they serve as models for balancing conservation with sustainable development.

This episode also takes us to the heart of Madagascar’s conservation efforts, exploring how local communities, science, and policy are coming together to protect the island’s incredible biodiversity while promoting long-term sustainability.

Tune in to discover how Madagascar’s journey to becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve can inspire global solutions to environmental challenges.

An episode hosted by Katharine Lovatt and produced by Ilse Campos and Emmanuel Rudowski.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About UNESCO Earth Network

The UNESCO Earth Network Podcast series explores how UNESCO’s iconic designations — from Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks to World Heritage sites and living heritage practices — play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and building peace with nature.

In this five-episode series, we give voice to the scientific experts involved in this global initiative, sharing vital environmental knowledge to support local communities and national governments in achieving their biodiversity goals.

Because biodiversity conservation is about life. And to safeguard life, we must engage both society and science. This podcast places local communities at the centre — as knowledge-holders and key drivers of conservation and sustainable development.

Produced by UNESCO, with the support of the Government of Italy.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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