What is the TASC Madagascar Project?

Thank you for visiting our blog! Before we really sink into the nitty gritty related to the purpose of this blog, I would like to start off this venture and adventure by giving an initial overview to the project by giving a brief insight into its aims and aspirations.

The TASC Madagascar Project is an educational venture, coordinated by students of Plymouth University and other young individuals, which aspires to investigate and communicate Madagascar's environmental, social and cultural diversity; and raise the profile of any related concerns to the widest possible audience.  Madagascar is unique: approximately 5% of all plant and animal species can be found on the island, many of which are endemic. Its vast and diverse biodiversity is only matched by its enchanting landscapes of epic variety, as you can travel from desert to rainforest in only 300km. Few places in the world can rival Madagascar in offering such an intense and exciting display of nature in a location which offers adventure to the visitor at every turn. However, despite awe-inspiring biological and cultural diversity, life is hard. Madagascar is plagued by chronic political instability, economic fragility and extreme poverty. These aspects of life are culminated by statistics showing that two thirds of the population lives below the international poverty line of only US$1.25 a day.

Madagascar’s difficulties are complex, deeply contentious and characterised by intersecting political, ecological, cultural and socio-economic processes, both at an international and domestic scale. Driven by research, we will investigate and communicate some of the most relevant aspects related to current environmental concerns in Madagascar. Furthermore, we aim to communicate our findings to the widest possible audience and inspire our followers to engage with science and natural history by using a range of different methods of communicating.  Throughout the project, information on Madagascar and a commentary on its environmental stories will be able to be followed on our blog. This online resource will be supported by a strong social media campaign enabling interaction with our audience whilst in UK and in the field. Other features also include; the production of a documentary film tracing the major environmental and social difficulties effecting Madagascar based upon our fieldwork experience on location taking place in September - October 2013 and an accompanying lecture series visiting a number of UK schools. These aspects will also contribute to our additional aim of supporting the work of our chosen charity, the TASC Madagascar Charity.

I am really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with this project and really hope we can help by whatever means we can in regards to the challenges central to our goal. I hope you enjoy it and continue to follow this thread.

Until later,