Introducing the PARTNERS Principles in Madagascar: A Foundation for Ethical Conservation

By Susie Louis, Conservation Fusion

In the rural village of Kianjavato, nestled in Madagascar’s lush eastern rainforest, Conservation Fusion had the privilege of hosting an all-day workshop introducing the PARTNERS principles: a framework that promotes ethical, inclusive, and community-led conservation. In collaboration with the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, we welcomed 107 participants from across the region. The group was diverse, including village presidents, lemur guides, nursery managers, groundskeepers, cooks, and researchers. Some had university degrees, while others had no formal education. Yet, everyone came with a shared purpose: to learn, connect, and collaborate.

Some participants began their journey before dawn, walking hours through rugged terrain to attend. Their dedication was a reminder of how powerful and personal conservation is in Madagascar. The workshop created a safe space for everyone’s voice to be heard. Through interactive team-building, open discussions, and collaborative activities, we identified local conservation challenges and co-created potential solutions. One highlight was when participants defined “community” as “an assemblage of people and nature working together with mutual respect and collaboration—living together, listening to each other with tolerance and love under discipline.”

Our shared definition of “conservation” was equally profound: “the protection
of natural resources for the next generation to come. Taking care of nature and resources and educating the local community.” Prior to the workshop, most attendees had little or no understanding of these concepts. By the end, 91% reported a strong grasp of both ideas—an inspiring shift and a clear indication of the power of participatory learning.

The PARTNERS principles are not just words—they are a call to action. They teach empathy, negotiation, inclusivity, and respect. This workshop was only the beginning. Together, we are laying the groundwork to protect Madagascar’s biodiversity while building a future where people and nature thrive in harmony. We look forward to the next workshop, where we’ll continue to deepen our understanding, strengthen partnerships, and grow a community of ethical conservation leaders.

About the author: Susie Louis is the Founder and Creative Director of Conservation Fusion. She has launched multiple community-based education programs in rural Madagascar and in Senegal. As an entrepreneur, artist and author with a biology background she publishes both children’s books and peer-reviewed scientific articles.