Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre

Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and a global biodiversity hotspot.

Vast grasslands shaped by ancient creatures, tropical forests and deserts are just some of the ecosystems found on this incredibly unique island. 

These ecosystems are home to an enormous array of distinct plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, including ring-tailed lemurs and sacred baobabs.

Kew has been working in Madagascar since 1986, protecting the critically threatened megadiverse environment.

The Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre (KMCC) is RBG Kew’s third research site and only overseas office. 

Illegal deforestation, slash and burn agriculture and the overexploitation of natural resources are devastating habitats as Madagascar’s population strive for survival and economic development.

Situated in the country’s capital Antananarivo, a team of 40 Malagasy scientists, students and support staff work with collaborators, local partners and communities to safeguard rare plant species, protect grasslands to improve livelihoods and conserve wild yams to increase food security.