Chameleon balancing conservation and economic interests in Madagascar

Madagascar's Environmental Crossroads: Can Conservation Overcome a History of Foreign Influence?

Jordan Keane in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpacking the complex legacy of international conservation efforts and the path to equitable sustainability in Madagascar."

Madagascar, an island nation famed for its unique biodiversity, faces a critical challenge: balancing the need for environmental conservation with the economic needs of its people. For decades, this balancing act has been influenced by international interventions, raising questions about whose interests are truly being served. Understanding the history of these interventions is key to forging a more sustainable and equitable path forward.

Catherine Corson's research delves into the historical processes and political-economic systems that have shaped conservation in Madagascar. Her work highlights how a surge of international attention, driven by scientists and policymakers in the 1970s and 80s, has shaped the country's environmental agenda, which was both beneficial and detrimental.

This article explores the evolution of conservation politics in Madagascar, focusing on the interplay between foreign influence, local needs, and the pursuit of sustainable development. It examines how historical events and power dynamics have shaped the environmental narrative and asks whether effective conservation requires a fundamental shift in how decisions are made.

The Genesis of Foreign-Funded Conservation in Madagascar

Chameleon balancing conservation and economic interests in Madagascar

The seeds of today's international interest in Madagascar's biodiversity can be traced back to early scientific expeditions and classifications of species during the French colonial era. This period saw the introduction of scientific forestry practices, which emphasized managing forests for economic gain and designating areas for wood production and soil protection. However, lacking resources, the state struggled to curb deforestation caused by commercial activities.

After World War I, the Académie Malgache and the Institut de Recherche Scientifique de Madagascar (IRSM) facilitated further zoological expeditions. Primatologists Jean-Jacques Petter and Arlette Petter-Rousseaux began studying lemurs in the 1950s, and in 1960, David Attenborough filmed wild lemurs for Western audiences. These collaborations between Malagasy and foreign researchers helped set the stage for international conservation efforts.

1970 Conference: A key event organized by Petter to mobilize global attention to the importance of protecting Madagascar's species.
Concerns about Foreign Influence: Despite the focus on conservation, tensions arose regarding foreign dominance and the need to address the social impacts of conservation.
Shift in Focus: Etienne Rakotomaria voiced concerns about scientists dominating the discussion.
Silencing Dissent: Jolly recalls she was asked to leave the conference for her paper on the social impacts of conservation.

The 1970 conference, while pivotal, also highlighted the underlying tensions between conservation goals and local needs. Concerns were raised about foreign influence and the potential social consequences of conservation efforts. Etienne Rakotomaria, director of scientific research, critiqued the dominance of foreign organizations and scientists. Alison Jolly, another scientist, recalls being asked to leave the conference after presenting a paper questioning who benefits and who pays the price for conservation.

A Call for Transforming Power Relations

The history of conservation in Madagascar reveals a complex web of interactions between scientists, NGOs, donors, and government officials. While these actors have worked together to advance conservation, the influence of foreign interests and the lack of local control have often undermined efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable system. Achieving effective conservation in Madagascar requires transforming power relations, ensuring that local voices are heard and that conservation efforts benefit both the environment and the Malagasy people.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What historical events laid the groundwork for international conservation efforts in Madagascar?

The groundwork for international conservation in Madagascar was laid during the French colonial era with the introduction of scientific forestry practices. The Académie Malgache and the Institut de Recherche Scientifique de Madagascar (IRSM) facilitated zoological expeditions after World War I. Primatologists Jean-Jacques Petter and Arlette Petter-Rousseaux began studying lemurs, and David Attenborough filmed lemurs for Western audiences. These events, combined with the 1970 conference organized by Petter, mobilized global attention and set the stage for conservation efforts.

What were the key tensions that arose during the 1970 conference, and how did they affect conservation efforts?

The 1970 conference highlighted tensions between conservation goals and local needs. Concerns arose regarding foreign influence and the social impacts of conservation. Etienne Rakotomaria, director of scientific research, critiqued the dominance of foreign organizations and scientists. Alison Jolly was asked to leave the conference for her paper questioning the benefits and costs of conservation, revealing underlying power imbalances and the suppression of dissenting voices, which undermined efforts for equitable and sustainable conservation.

Who were some of the key individuals and organizations involved in shaping early conservation efforts in Madagascar?

Key individuals include primatologists Jean-Jacques Petter and Arlette Petter-Rousseaux, and filmmaker David Attenborough. Organizations include the Académie Malgache and the Institut de Recherche Scientifique de Madagascar (IRSM). These figures and institutions facilitated scientific expeditions, research on lemurs, and the introduction of the importance of protecting Madagascar's species, contributing to the early shaping of conservation efforts.

How did the French colonial era influence conservation practices in Madagascar?

The French colonial era introduced scientific forestry practices that emphasized managing forests for economic gain and designating areas for wood production and soil protection. The state lacked resources to curb deforestation caused by commercial activities. This era set a precedent for managing natural resources, laying the foundation for later international interventions and conservation policies, though it also introduced challenges related to resource management and exploitation that persisted into the later periods.

What is the core challenge facing Madagascar regarding environmental conservation, and what needs to change to achieve a sustainable solution?

The core challenge is balancing environmental conservation with the economic needs of the Malagasy people. Achieving effective conservation requires transforming power relations, ensuring local voices are heard, and that conservation efforts benefit both the environment and the Malagasy people. This shift involves addressing historical power dynamics, foreign influence, and the social impacts of conservation efforts to create a more equitable and sustainable system, moving beyond conservation practices that have historically prioritized international interests.