Anitah Faranirina’s goal is to change the conservation scene in Madagascar. With her work at NGO Kolo Ala, she wants to halt the threats facing biodiversity in Madagascar. “We face a great challenge in implementing effective conservation projects as most conservation managers sadly lack the capacity to deliver projects that bring real and sustainable changes” Anitah explains.
In response to this, the TBA and partners Madagasikara Voakajy and Dahari, have just finished delivering a training master class in Anjouan, Comoros. Funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), the course focused on building the organizational capacity of small and upcoming civil society organizations in the Madagascar and Indian Ocean hotspot.
Bringing together 14 conservation managers from Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar and Comoros, the master class offered a creative learning space through practical training, peer to peer discussions and case studies of real-life conservation projects. Spanning 5 days, the training covered essentials of project design and measuring impacts, fundraising for organizational sustainability, community engagement, and how to communicate to diverse audiences.
“This training could not have come at a better time as there is not only an urgent need for capacity building of conservation managers but also for collaboration among civil society organizations in this region. In fact, the group has already set up their own regional network and are discussing future collaborations already” said Dr. Rosie Trevelyan
All the participants gave incredibly positive feedback and told us that the training has been a big step towards ensuring their next projects deliver measurable impacts on the ground.
“The different teaching techniques allowed me to learn practical aspects of project implementation in just 5 days. The teaching on measuring impacts impressed me the most as it shifted my view on how best to approach my projects. It will definitely increase my work efficiency.”
Ibrahim Said, Comoros
“I was really looking for an opportunity to learn more on fundraising for conservation projects and this training provided me with the required fundraising skills just when I needed it. I can now confidently say that I can handle the fundraising challenges I have been facing in my work.”
Adnath Bhageeyovatee, Mauritius
For Anitah Faranirina, the training has furnished her with the right skills to better deliver real conservation impact:
‘The training was a game changer. It enabled me to learn all aspects of project development and management through practical exercises which will allow me to design effective projects with maximum impact.”
The end of the course is only just the beginning. Participants are already using their new network – MACOMAUSEY – to share how they are applying their new ideas. MACOMAUSEY stands for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles and promises to yield even more exciting stories in the very near future.
