24 February 2024
A voyage into the heart of Malagasy Biodiversity, VARUNA_Science de la Durabilité (SD) presents its “Biodiversities” exhibition in Ambositra, Madagascar
In the heart of Madagascar, Ambositra, a town renowned for its handicrafts and proximity to the island’s natural riches, played host to an unprecedented exhibition: “Biodiversities”. Result of a close collaboration between the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), this exhibition, which welcomed more than xx visitors, ran from February 10 to 23, 2024, was designed to celebrate and raise awareness of the exceptional biodiversity of Madagascar, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Educate to protect
One of the main aims of “Les Biodiversités” (Biodiversities)” is to raise public awareness of conservation issues, both young and old. Madagascar faces many challenges, including deforestation, poaching and climate change, which threaten its unique natural heritage. Through educational workshops, conferences and meetings with researchers, the exhibition aims to inspire visitors to take action to protect biodiversity.
Discovering the richness of our biodiversity
The exhibition, made up of different panels, each representing an ecosystem and expressing a strong idea about biodiversity, took place at the Alliance Française d’Ambositra, in a space specially fitted out for the occasion.
These displays enabled the 2,641 visitors, the majority of whom were students aged 7 to 25, to discover the richness of Madagascar’s flora and fauna, from lemurs and orchids to baobabs and chameleons.
Towards a Sustainable Future
“Les Biodiversités” in Ambositra is not just a celebration of nature; it’s a call to action. It is a reminder that preserving biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and underlines the crucial role of scientific research in understanding and protecting our natural environment.
Through this exhibition, IRD and MNHN hope to inspire a new generation of conservationists, determined to safeguard our natural heritage for future generations.
Stay tuned for news of the next destination city for the “Biodiversity” exhibition, Madagascar!
For more information on the IRD and MNHN project: click here
