AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Spotlight: Shaldon Wildlife Trust in the UK says critically endangered red-ruffed lemurs have produced rare quadruplets—four healthy pups born May 4 to Eka and Nero—an event that happens in fewer than 6% of births and offers a boost for the European breeding programme. Madagascar in the Spotlight (Science): Researchers report new records of the “lost” blue-spotted bamboo shark in Madagascar, found via surveys of fishing villages and a university fish collection, suggesting the species may be more common than previously thought. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC has reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair its regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, with renewed focus on tackling illegal fishing and rolling out a regional register of fishing vessels. Climate & Rights: A landmark climate case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, with civil society asking what duties African governments have to protect people from the climate crisis. Environment & Trade Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledges $1 billion to support trade finance across Africa, aiming to strengthen regional value chains under the AfCFTA—an economic lever that can shape how environmental pressures and resource use are managed.

Sanctions at Sea: France seized the Russian-linked tanker TAGOR in the Atlantic, saying it was registered under Madagascar’s flag and suspected of false-flag switching to evade EU/UK/US sanctions—sparking Kremlin accusations of “borderline piracy” and raising fresh concerns about maritime safety and environmental risk. Climate Justice in Court: A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, with civil society asking judges to clarify African governments’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from harmful economies. Madagascar in Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead a regional fisheries monitoring and surveillance board, with Madagascar represented on the centre’s board as the bloc pushes harder action against illegal fishing and moves toward a regional vessel register. Wildlife News: A European breeding programme marked a rare win for Madagascar’s red-ruffed lemurs: four critically endangered red-ruffed lemur quadruplets were born at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, supported by a Madagascar field partner. Biodiversity Funding Watch: At the GEF-8 council meeting, delegates warned that rising complexity in climate and nature funding must not sideline Indigenous communities and smaller implementing groups.

Wildlife Breeding Win: Shaldon Wildlife Trust says four critically endangered red-ruffed lemurs were born as quadruplets on May 4—rare even for the species—and the youngsters are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums breeding programme, with field support linked to Madagascar’s Lemur Conservation Association. Climate Justice in Court: A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking judges to clarify states’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from harmful economic models. Southern Africa Fisheries Oversight: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, aiming to curb illegal fishing and expand tools like a regional register of fishing vessels. Madagascar in the Spotlight—Maritime Sanctions: France seized the Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic; the ship was registered in Madagascar, raising fresh questions about sanctions evasion and environmental risk at sea. Conservation Science Curiosity: Researchers report “very good” sourdough made from cold-adapted yeasts found on Ötzi the Iceman, highlighting how microbes can survive extreme conditions.

Landmark Climate Case: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is hearing a major climate responsibility request, arguing African governments must protect the climate system because a stable climate underpins rights like health, food, and water. Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance centre in Maputo, with a push to cut illegal fishing, strengthen vessel registers, and reduce donor reliance. Wildlife in Madagascar: Rare red-ruffed lemur quadruplets were born in the UK at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, part of a Europe-wide breeding programme supporting conservation in Madagascar’s northeast. Madagascar in the Spotlight: A Morocco vs Madagascar international friendly in Rabat drew attention as both teams head toward the 2026 World Cup. Ocean & Enforcement: France seized the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic; the ship was registered in Madagascar, raising fresh concerns about sanctions evasion and environmental risk. GEF Funding: Delegates backed final GEF-8 funding, aiming to protect biodiversity and oceans while demanding stronger safeguards for communities and Indigenous groups.

Wildlife Breeding: Shaldon Wildlife Trust reports a rare “baby boom” with four critically endangered red-ruffed lemur quadruplets born May 4—an event so uncommon it’s under 6% of births—linked to the European breeding programme and supported in Madagascar via the Lemur Conservation Association. Climate & Rights: A landmark climate case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, with civil society arguing African governments have duties to protect the climate system because a stable climate underpins people’s rights. Marine Conservation Funding: Delegates at the GEF-8 council meeting in Samarkand backed final funding and called for stronger safeguards so communities, Indigenous Peoples, and smaller partners aren’t left behind as biodiversity and ocean projects scale up. Illegal Fishing Oversight: SADC reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara to lead a regional centre tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, including efforts to phase out destructive monofilament nets. Madagascar in the Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Isalo National Park’s “Grand Canyon” landscapes and cool underground pools, with a focus on lemur sightings and the south’s distinct nature experience.

Maritime Environment & Sanctions: France seized the Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, saying it was registered under Madagascar’s flag and suspected of evading sanctions that fund Russia’s war—while the Kremlin called the move “borderline piracy.” Madagascar Governance: Madagascar’s top court dismissed an opposition lawmaker’s bid to remove the military ruler, ruling the challenge was inadmissible under the constitution, as protests over slow reforms continue. Wildlife & Climate: A landmark climate case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, arguing African states have duties to protect people by safeguarding the climate system. Conservation Finance: Delegates at the GEF-8 council meeting backed final funding and urged stronger safeguards so communities and Indigenous groups aren’t left behind as biodiversity and ocean projects scale up. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara to lead efforts against illegal fishing across Southern Africa, including Madagascar.

Sanctions at sea: France seized the Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, with UK support, saying it was registered under Madagascar’s flag and was helping Moscow evade sanctions; the Kremlin called it “borderline piracy.” Regional fisheries enforcement: Stanley Ndara was reappointed to lead the SADC fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, with ministers urging stronger participation and a phase-out of illegal monofilament nets. Madagascar politics: The High Constitutional Court dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge was inadmissible under the constitution, as protests over slow reforms continue. Climate law in Africa: A landmark case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on states’ duties to protect people from the climate crisis. Biodiversity under pressure: Research warns that cave-roosting long-fingered bats face major habitat loss from climate change, with Madagascar among the remaining suitable areas. Conservation funding: Delegates at the GEF council backed final GEF-8 funding, pushing for stronger safeguards so communities and smaller partners aren’t left behind.

Maritime Enforcement: France says it boarded the Madagascar-flagged, Russia-linked sanctioned tanker TAGOR in the Atlantic, warning that shadow-fleet vessels also endanger the environment and navigation safety. Regional Conservation Funding: The GEF council approved a final $144.3m for GEF-8, backing ocean ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation, and landscape and coast restoration ahead of 2030 goals. Marine Protection Spotlight: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi ranked 19th among the world’s 50 best beaches, with organisers citing hawksbill turtle nesting and the nearby Saadiyat Marine National Park. Madagascar Politics: Madagascar’s top court dismissed an opposition bid to remove the military ruler, saying the case was inadmissible under constitutional rules, as protests over slow reforms continue. Climate Impacts on Wildlife: Research warns cave-roosting long-fingered bats face major habitat loss from climate change, with remaining suitable areas including Madagascar. Biodiversity Tech: Japanese researchers tested a bio-hybrid control system using Madagascar hissing cockroaches, guiding movement only when the insects’ internal state is favourable.

GEF Funding Push: The Global Environment Facility council approved a final $144.3 million disbursement for GEF-8, backing 16 projects aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems, restoring landscapes and coasts, and boosting “nature-positive” investment toward 2030. Madagascar Court Ruling: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court dismissed an opposition bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge was inadmissible under constitutional rules, as rights groups warn of arrests and heavy-handed tactics amid slow reform promises. Climate Threat to Bats: A new study on cave-roosting long-fingered bats finds suitable habitat shrinking by 36–64% by mid-to-late century, with remaining strongholds including Madagascar. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies, calling on the public to help name them. Bio-hybrid Tech (Madagascar Insects): Japanese researchers tested a bio-hybrid control system using Madagascar hissing cockroaches, guiding movement only when the insects’ internal state is favorable. Travel & Nature Angle: A travel piece highlights Madagascar’s Isalo “Grand Canyon” for wild swimming and lemur-spotting in the south.

Madagascar Courtroom Update: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge was inadmissible under constitutional rules—while young people continue to protest over slow reforms and rights groups report arrests and heavy-handed tactics. Conservation & Wildlife: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies were born at Fota Wildlife Park, and staff are asking the public to help name them as the tiny family ventures into its habitat tunnels. Climate & Biodiversity Science: Research on cave-roosting long-fingered bats warns climate change could shrink suitable habitat across sub-Saharan Africa by 36–64% by late century, leaving remaining pockets including Madagascar. Bio-technology for Animals: Japanese researchers tested a bio-hybrid robotics system using Madagascar hissing cockroaches, guiding movement only when the insects’ internal state suggests it’s safe—using heartbeat and neural signals to decide when to stimulate. Environment, Travel, Safety: A travel safety guide highlights warning signs during unrest and disasters, urging travelers to plan exits early when information, logistics, or local sentiment destabilize.

Madagascar Courtroom Update: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove military ruler Colonel Michael Randrianirina, saying the challenge was inadmissible under constitutional rules—amid rights groups’ claims of arrests and heavy-handed tactics, and a promised roadmap toward a new constitution and a presidential election by end-2027. Wildlife Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies to first-time mother Romy, calling on the public to help name them; the species is native to Madagascar and thought to number fewer than 250 in the wild. Climate & Habitat Pressure: A study on cave-roosting long-fingered bats warns that climate change could shrink suitable habitat across sub-Saharan Africa by 36–64% by mid-to-late century, leaving remaining pockets including Madagascar. Nature-Inspired Urban Solutions: A new Africa-focused book argues trees and urban green spaces are becoming central to climate and biodiversity responses in fast-warming cities—while questioning whether many efforts will stay effective long-term. Conservation-Linked Travel Demand: Safari bookings among U.S. luxury travelers are rising, with more people choosing slower, conservation-led experiences over big game-drive checklists. Infrastructure for Resilience: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports progress on road projects, including 80% completion of a Madagascar road initiative, aimed at keeping communities connected through climate shocks.

Madagascar’s Constitutional Standoff: The High Constitutional Court dismissed an opposition MP’s bid to remove military ruler Colonel Michael Randrianirina as “inadmissible,” keeping the transition on a roadmap that promises a new constitution and a presidential election by end-2027. Climate & Wildlife Under Pressure: A study on cave-roosting long-fingered bats warns suitable habitat could shrink sharply by 2061–2080, with remaining pockets including Madagascar. Lemur Conservation Spotlight: Fota Wildlife Park reported the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins to first-time mother Romy, and is inviting the public to help name them. Vanilla, Infrastructure, and Resilience: A World Bank-linked upgrade to the Manambery Bridge in northeastern Madagascar aims to keep vanilla-linked jobs and markets connected during climate shocks. Vanilla Innovation at Origin: IFF plans a Madagascar Vanilla Innovation Centre to improve lab testing, greenhouse research, and flavor development—tying science to sustainability and supply quality.

Madagascar Courts & Governance: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has rejected an opposition MP’s bid to remove military ruler Michael Randrianirina, saying the challenge was inadmissible under constitutional rules for removing a head of state, as protests continue over slow reforms and rights groups report heavy-handed arrests. Climate & Wildlife: A study on cave-roosting long-fingered bats warns climate change could shrink suitable habitat across sub-Saharan Africa by 36–64% by 2061–2080, leaving key refuges including southern Africa, eastern highlands—and Madagascar. Lemur Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins to first-time mother Romy, with the public invited to help name them; fewer than 250 are estimated in the wild. Vanilla & Resilient Infrastructure: The Manambery Bridge upgrade in far northeast Madagascar is tied to keeping vanilla supply chains moving, supporting tens of thousands of farmers while strengthening roads and bridges against climate shocks. Biodiversity Discovery Methods: Hidden wildlife in Madagascar is being revealed through new biodiversity survey approaches, with biologists reporting surprises from improved detection techniques.

Madagascar Court Ruling: Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court has rejected an opposition bid to remove military ruler Colonel Michael Randrianirina, saying the challenge was inadmissible because it didn’t meet constitutional requirements for removing a head of state—while rights groups warn of heavy-handed tactics amid slow reform promises and youth-led protests. Biodiversity Spotlight: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Fota Wildlife Park (native to Madagascar), and the public is invited to help name them as the pups thrive with their mother Romy and father Iray. Vanilla Supply Chain: A World Bank-backed upgrade to the Manambery Bridge in far northeastern Madagascar aims to keep vanilla farmers connected to jobs and markets year-round, strengthening resilience to climate shocks. Conservation Tech: Researchers report a bio-hybrid AI system that uses signals from Madagascar hissing cockroaches to guide their movement—an unusual step for living, responsive robotics. Health & Growth: UNFPA and the AfDB signed a partnership to strengthen maternal health and “demographic resilience” across Africa, including digital training and climate-resilient health infrastructure.

Lemur Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park in Cork welcomed two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies on 21 April to first-time mother Romy and father Iray, and the public is invited to help name them as the twins explore their island habitat. Biodiversity Science: Researchers are using “feasting bugs” like mosquitoes and carrion flies to map biodiversity by reading DNA traces they pick up from blood and carcasses—an approach that could also help track wildlife diseases. Madagascar Travel & Stability: The U.S. State Department has lowered Madagascar’s advisory to Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution,” citing improved stability and more predictable routes and logistics for travelers. Vanilla Supply Chain: A World Bank-backed upgrade to the Manambery Bridge in northeast Madagascar aims to keep vanilla farmers connected to jobs and markets year-round, strengthening resilience to climate shocks. Vanilla Innovation: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar to test contaminants, profile vanilla varieties, and develop new flavour applications—bringing more research and value creation to origin. Infrastructure Progress: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports steady road progress in Madagascar (80% completion) alongside projects in Togo and Nigeria, as it tightens monitoring of delivery. Maternal Health: UNFPA and the AfDB signed a partnership to strengthen maternal health and demographic resilience across Africa, including digital training for health workers and climate-resilient health infrastructure.

Lemur Conservation: Fota Wildlife Park in Cork has welcomed two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies born 21 April to first-time mom Romy and dad Iray, and the public is invited to help name them; staff say the twins are thriving and already exploring their island habitat. Biodiversity & Tourism Stability: The U.S. State Department has lowered Madagascar’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution,” citing improved stability and more reliable access to main routes and airports—good news for responsible travelers. Vanilla Supply Chain Resilience: The World Bank Group highlights upgrades to the Manambery Bridge in northeastern Madagascar under the Connecting Madagascar for Inclusive Growth Project, aiming to keep vanilla-linked jobs and markets connected during climate shocks. Health & Women’s Empowerment: UNFPA and the African Development Bank signed an MoU to strengthen maternal health and demographic resilience, including digital training for health workers and climate-resilient health infrastructure. Infrastructure Progress: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development reports steady road project implementation, with Madagascar’s road works at 80% completion. Accessible Travel: Emirates launched its autism-friendly “Travel Rehearsal” at Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, giving families a guided simulation of check-in through arrival to reduce travel anxiety. Madagascar Vanilla Innovation: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar with lab analysis, extraction facilities, and a greenhouse to support origin-based research and climate-smart quality improvements.