Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Hasina Randriamanampisoa Project Coordinator of the Ploughshare Tortoise Protection Project Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Ploughshare tortoise Astrochelys yniphora: 600 adult left Found only in Baly Bay National Park Threatened by poaching, bush fires and mining project Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Collaboration with local communities: Durrell present for 25 years now In 2010, community-led anti-poachers patrols 165 community rangers now Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Some important figures: Over 1,400 hours per month patrolling in 33% of the ploughshare habitat 2,888 daily reports in a year Five people arrested over the past three years Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Benefits for communities: Small scale development projects A regular wage plus meals A sense of pride and an increase in social status Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Factors encouraging poaching : Impunity not just poverty Lack of law enforcement Fear about reprisals Community engagement in protection of the ploughshare tortoise in Baly Bay, Madagascar Lessons learned: To achieve great results, communities need: A permanent presence of partners A shared vision between the project partners Distribution of funds Thank you very much