Wildlife Trade Policy Reviews: Bridging the Science-Policy Gap Madagascar

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY PROJECT Madagascar has been selected to undertake the project on WTPR Madagascar has been selected to undertake the project on WTPR It is one of the first countries where CITES has initiated studies on important trade. It is one of the first countries where CITES has initiated studies on important trade. The project is timely for Madagascar The project is timely for Madagascar This project started in August 2007 This project started in August 2007

II. Main findings. Madagascar is rich in resources deserving valorization and good management. Madagascar is rich in resources deserving valorization and good management. Implementation of the action plan in 2003 has greatly improved the management of CITES Implementation of the action plan in 2003 has greatly improved the management of CITES International trade of wild species provides economical benefits to the country. International trade of wild species provides economical benefits to the country. Technical and financial supports from NGOs are a great help for the management authorities. Technical and financial supports from NGOs are a great help for the management authorities. However, the political engagement of governmental authorities for the implementation of CITES is not sufficient. However, the political engagement of governmental authorities for the implementation of CITES is not sufficient. National legislation of 2005 on CITES trade is coherent with the other existing laws but its application and reinforcement requires more efforts and resources. National legislation of 2005 on CITES trade is coherent with the other existing laws but its application and reinforcement requires more efforts and resources. Communication between actors is not sufficient Communication between actors is not sufficient International illegal trade of wild species still need radical solution. International illegal trade of wild species still need radical solution.

III. Policy recommendations Wild species trade should be promoted, as a key tool for development and poverty reduction. It will be successful if deciders and donors are convinced on that. Wild species trade should be promoted, as a key tool for development and poverty reduction. It will be successful if deciders and donors are convinced on that. In order to facilitate procedures on wild flora and fauna trade and for more transparency a unique office should be created. In order to facilitate procedures on wild flora and fauna trade and for more transparency a unique office should be created. CITES should have access to the “Fond Forestier National”. CITES should have access to the “Fond Forestier National”. The length of moratorium on Malagasy species should be limited. The length of moratorium on Malagasy species should be limited. Researches should respond to the needs of the trades; quotas should reflect field realities. Researches should respond to the needs of the trades; quotas should reflect field realities. A supporting institution to CITES in Madagascar should be created A supporting institution to CITES in Madagascar should be created Local commerce on wild species should be controlled and be monitored at the national and regional levels. Local commerce on wild species should be controlled and be monitored at the national and regional levels. Control system should be reinforced. Control system should be reinforced.