Opportunities to Recognise Land Rights for Local and Global Benefits

Planting a hedge helps stake claim to your land.

Since 2002 legislation that recognises Indigenous People and local community land and forest rights has been enacted.  However,  momentum has slowed since 2008 according to a new report issued by the

Rights and Resources Initiative

The reality is that the land which Indigenous People and local communities traditionally claim is much larger than that which is currently legally recognised by governments.

Research has shown how recognition of land rights of Indigenous People and local communities delivers local and global benefits.  For example, support for community forest tenure promotes carbon capture and reduces threats of deforestation by extraction companies and loggers.

More decision-making control for Indigenous People could bring both local and global benefits. The preservation of biodiversity and carbon capture in Madagascar’s unique forests could bring long term benefits for all.

Money for Madagascar has worked with forest communities for over two decades. We are now exploring new ways to gain carbon credits for the work we do with tree-planting and water installations. More information about this will be featured on our blog as plans develop. 

E Grisenthwaite

Inspiring Malagasy Women

For more than 25 years Money for Madagascar has been dedicated to investing in Malagasy people who can be agents for change in their own communities. Training of leaders of national and regional Malagasy NGOs cascades down to benefit thousands of people at the community level. Investing in the education and training of destitute children and vulnerable teenagers has produced teachers, social workers, doctors and development agents with an exceptional commitment to helping their fellow citizens. MfM is always looking for new opportunities to help Malagasy people to help themselves. Below are the details of a new opportunity:

Malagasy women studying abroad may be eligible for financial support toward doctoral or post-doctoral studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The Schlumberger Foundation is accepting new applications for the 2015–2016 Faculty for the Future Fellowships from September 10th to November 14th, 2014.

Candidates should prove their commitment to returning to their home countries to contribute to the economic, social and technological advancement of their regions, pursuing careers in the teaching and research faculties of their home institutions and also taking positions in the public sector.

http://www.facultyforthefuture.net/