AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Crime: Australia seized more than 100,000 illegal cockroaches from a breeder near Sydney, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in a record invertebrate bust worth about $140,000—authorities say the black-market trade can threaten ecosystems if pests escape. Climate Extremes: New data from Europe’s Copernicus service shows May 2026 was the second-warmest on record globally, with an unusually early, intense heatwave across western Europe and major wet–dry swings, including drought in parts of Madagascar. Madagascar Biodiversity: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners have launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for the first official Malagasy butterfly ID guide and stronger protection for fragile forest species. Conservation Livelihoods: A regional webinar highlights how forest-based biodiversity value chains—studied across Madagascar, Uganda and Nigeria—could boost rural incomes while supporting conservation, but implementation still lags behind policy. Agriculture & Resilience: Southern Africa’s rural women’s groups are pushing governments to put women smallholder farmers at the center of food and climate policy, with Madagascar among the countries represented.

Climate & Weather Watch: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with an unusually early, intense heatwave across western Europe (France, UK, Ireland, Portugal) and sharp rain swings—drier conditions in parts of Europe and flooding in places like Türkiye, Bulgaria and Moldova—while ocean heat stays near record highs and El Niño conditions loom. Biodiversity Survey in Madagascar: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners have launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for Madagascar’s first official butterfly ID guide and stronger protection for fragile forest species. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning of a growing black market for live insects. Forest Governance to Livelihoods: A regional webinar says Africa’s forest and biodiversity policies still lag on the ground, but biodiversity value chains could support rural jobs—especially for women and youth—if investments target real market pathways. Madagascar–Nigeria Diplomacy: President Michaël Randrianirina met Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu in Abuja for talks expected to cover trade, agriculture, security and climate resilience, including impacts in southern Madagascar. Food Systems & Climate Resilience: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly is calling for women smallholder farmers to lead food and climate policy, highlighting their role in building resilient food systems across the region.

Biodiversity Survey: Chester Zoo and Malagasy conservationists have launched Madagascar’s biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming to build the first official Malagasy butterfly ID guide and boost protection for fragile, possibly unique species. Conservation Livelihoods: Catherine Craig’s long-running Madagascar conservation enterprise—centered on native silk-producing caterpillars, border forests, and farmer income—has entered a new local leadership phase after more than two decades. Forest Governance to Action: A regional webinar warns that across Africa, forest and biodiversity policies still struggle to become real on-the-ground results, even as countries align strategies with global climate and nature goals. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown (Madagascar-linked): Australia seized over 100,000 illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning pet trade operators and targeting a growing black market. Climate Extremes: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with an unusually early heatwave in western Europe and ocean warming linked to El Niño conditions. Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s President Tinubu met Madagascar’s President Randrianirina in Abuja, with talks expected to cover trade, agriculture, security, and climate resilience—especially in southern Madagascar. Minerals & Industry: Reuters reports Sumitomo financing to help new owners take over Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel operation, including funds for cyclone repairs as production plans restart.

Climate Watch: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with Europe seeing intense early heatwaves plus sharp rain swings—drier conditions in parts of western/central/eastern Europe and severe flooding in parts of Turkey, Bulgaria and Moldova—while tropical Pacific seas trend toward El Niño, raising the odds of more extreme weather. Wildlife Trade Crackdown: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that the booming online trade for reptile feeding could threaten native ecosystems and trigger penalties. Forest & Energy Pressure: A new study flags how charcoal and fuelwood still dominate household energy across Madagascar and other African countries, but weak regulation and unsustainable harvesting are accelerating forest loss and environmental harm. Governance Gap: Another report says countries like Madagascar have strong forest policy frameworks tied to global climate and biodiversity goals, yet implementation is uneven and fragmented—leaving real protection behind on the ground. Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s President Tinubu held talks with Madagascar’s President Randrianirina in Abuja, with climate resilience—especially southern Madagascar’s infrastructure impacts—among the expected priorities. Minerals & Jobs: Reuters reports Sumitomo financed the exit of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project, aiming to keep operations going under new ownership after cyclone damage and production suspension.

Wildlife Crime Watch: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a breeder near Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in what officials call the country’s biggest exotic invertebrate bust (valued around AU$200,000). Authorities say the species are banned under biosecurity rules and warn of risks to native wildlife and agriculture, with the insects to be euthanized and penalties possible. Forest & Energy Pressure: A new Africa-wide study flags how charcoal and fuelwood still dominate household energy in places including Madagascar, but weak regulation and unsustainable harvesting are driving forest loss and worsening health impacts. Policy-to-Practice Gap: Another report on forest governance finds countries like Madagascar have strong biodiversity and climate policies on paper, yet implementation is uneven due to weak coordination, limited funding, and institutional silos. Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s President Tinubu met Madagascar’s President Randrianirina in Abuja, with talks expected to cover trade, agriculture, regional integration, and climate-change impacts—especially in southern Madagascar.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches in NSW, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, from an illegal breeder—species that are banned to import, keep, breed or sell—warning the trade could spread disease and harm native ecosystems. Biodiversity Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for Madagascar’s first official butterfly ID guide after early counts confirmed dozens of species. Forest & Energy Pressure: A new study links Africa’s reliance on charcoal and fuelwood to accelerating forest loss and health risks, with urban demand driving extraction in places including Madagascar. Governance & Implementation: Another report finds Madagascar and other countries have strong forestry policies on paper, but weak coordination, funding gaps and fragmented enforcement undermine results. Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria and Madagascar’s leaders met in Abuja, with climate resilience—especially southern Madagascar’s infrastructure impacts—among the expected cooperation priorities. Conservation Tech Collaboration: A Fulbright scholar plans a sustainable sensor network to monitor the African Great Lakes, addressing major gaps in continuous environmental monitoring.

Bilateral Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu met Madagascar’s President Colonel Michaël Randrianirina in Abuja for closed-door talks, with sources pointing to cooperation on regional security, agriculture, and climate-change adaptation—especially after southern Madagascar infrastructure damage. Mining & Local Industry: Sumitomo is reported to have financed the buyers of its 54% stake in Madagascar’s Ambatovy nickel project as it exits a loss-making venture; some funds are earmarked to repair cyclone damage, with production planned to restart by end-June. Forest Pressure from Household Energy: A new study warns that charcoal and fuelwood still dominate cooking and heating across Madagascar and other African countries, but weak regulation and unsustainable harvesting are driving forest loss and worsening health impacts. Forest Governance Gaps: Another report finds Madagascar and other countries have strong forestry policies on paper, yet implementation is fragmented and underfunded—undermining biodiversity and climate goals. Wildlife Trade Watch: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in a record biosecurity bust—highlighting ongoing risks from cross-border wildlife commerce. Madagascar Biodiversity Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for the first official Madagascar butterfly ID guide.

Illegal Wildlife Trade: Australia seized more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, in what officials call the country’s biggest-ever invertebrate bust; the haul is valued at about A$200,000 (US$142,000) and authorities say the species are banned because they were never assessed for environmental risk. Biosecurity & Biodiversity: Officials warned the insects could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture if released, and said the cockroaches will be euthanized while penalties may apply to anyone caught possessing, breeding, or trading prohibited species. Madagascar Conservation Spotlight: In Madagascar, Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners are running the island’s biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming to produce the first official butterfly ID guide and reveal what the forests are still hiding. Forest Pressure in Focus: A new Africa-wide study links heavy reliance on charcoal and fuelwood to forest loss and health risks, highlighting how growing urban demand is intensifying rural extraction in places including Madagascar.

Wildlife Crime: Australia seized more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, in what officials call the country’s biggest-ever invertebrate bust; the haul is valued at about A$200,000 (US$140,000) and authorities say the species are illegal to import, keep, breed or sell because they’ve not been risk-assessed and could threaten native wildlife and agriculture. Forest & Energy Pressure: A new study warns that Africa’s heavy reliance on charcoal and fuelwood is driving forest loss and health harms, with rising urban demand pushing extraction deeper into rural landscapes, including in Madagascar. Governance Gaps: Another report finds countries like Madagascar have strong forestry policies on paper, but weak coordination, limited funding and fragmented institutions are undermining real protection in biodiversity hotspots. Biodiversity Survey: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners are running the biggest butterfly survey yet in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming for the first official butterfly ID guide from catch-and-release counts. Water Safety: A global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked for water quality.

Drinking Water Safety: A new Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still struggling with aging water systems, weak sanitation, and climate pressure. Wildlife Trade Crackdown: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the trade can spread disease and threaten native wildlife and agriculture; officials say the insects will be euthanized. Madagascar Conservation Science: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners are running the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming for the island’s first official butterfly ID guide and better protection for forest biodiversity. Regional Governance & Environment: South Africa is seeking sponsorships ahead of the 2026 SADC summit, with Madagascar having stepped down from the interim chair role amid instability.

Illegal Wildlife Trade Crackdown: Australia seized more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales—mostly Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia—valued at about AUD 200,000 (around $142,000). Officials say the species can’t be legally imported, kept, bred, or sold because they lack environmental risk assessment and could spread disease, harm native wildlife, and threaten agriculture; the insects are set to be euthanized, and authorities warned pet owners and dealers of penalties even though no charges were filed. Madagascar Biodiversity Research: Chester Zoo, Madagasikara Voakajy, and University of Antananarivo teams are running the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar in the Mangabe protected area, aiming to produce the country’s first official butterfly ID guide after confirming 61 species in early catch-and-release counts. Regional Conservation Diplomacy: South Africa’s government is seeking sponsorships and partnerships ahead of the SADC Summit 2026, with Madagascar having stepped down from the interim SADC chair role amid political instability.

Illegal Wildlife Trade Crackdown: Australia seized 100,000+ live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder in what officials call the country’s biggest-ever exotic invertebrate bust, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches. The species are illegal to import, keep, breed, or sell, and authorities say the insects weren’t risk-assessed; they’re being euthanized and penalties are possible. Conservation Science in Madagascar: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners are running the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, with a goal of producing the country’s first official butterfly ID guide after confirming dozens of species in early counts. Biodiversity Watch: A report highlights new records of “lost” bamboo shark sightings in Madagascar, underscoring how much marine life remains under-documented. Wildlife Welfare & Governance: A San Francisco Zoo audit alleges major mismanagement tied to its taxpayer-funded “Madagascar Center,” raising questions about planning, spending approvals, and workplace culture.

Illegal Wildlife Trade: Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder in what officials call the country’s biggest-ever invertebrate bust, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches. The insects are illegal to import, keep, breed, or sell, and authorities warn they could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture; the cockroaches will be euthanized while investigations continue. Madagascar in the Spotlight: The seizure highlights how Madagascar species can end up in global pet and feeder markets—an issue that matters for biosecurity and biodiversity protection beyond our island. Regional Health & Safety: A Nairobi forum brought together health regulators from several countries, including Madagascar, to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare and improve preparedness for outbreaks like Ebola. Critical Minerals & Jobs: A UNCTAD report says Madagascar could gain major employment and industrial opportunities by moving beyond raw critical-mineral exports into local value addition.

Wildlife Crime & Biosecurity: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales— including Madagascar hissing cockroaches—valued up to A$200,000. Officials say the species can’t legally be imported, kept, bred, or sold, and warn the insects could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture; the animals will be euthanized. Biodiversity Spotlight: A rare conservation win for Madagascar’s wildlife: red-ruffed lemurs (found only in northeast Madagascar) have produced critically endangered quadruplets at Shaldon Wildlife Trust in Devon, a birth so rare it’s under 6% worldwide. Marine Life Research: New records of the “lost” blue-spotted bamboo shark have been confirmed in Madagascar after surveys of fishing villages and university collections, suggesting the species may be more common than previously thought. Climate & Rights: A landmark climate case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African governments have to protect people from the climate crisis.

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.