Researchers have been elevated to the rank of dignitaries of the National Order of Madagascar. The State promoted Professor Jonah Henri Ratsimbazafy to the rank of Grand Officer of the National Order, while Doctor Russell Alan Mittermeier and Professor Steven Michael Goodman were appointed Commanders of the National Order. This distinction recognizes their eminent work and recognized expertise in the field of nature and environmental protection. They have greatly contributed to the protection and preservation of the environment through their research work, benefiting Madagascar and the entire world. "Your research is of great importance. It serves not only Madagascar, but benefits the entire world," said the President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, addressing Professor Jonah Henri Ratsimbazafy during the ceremony held at the State Palace in Iavoloha yesterday. He also expressed his gratitude to the two foreign researchers who dedicated their youth to Madagascar. "I am convinced that your accomplishments will continue to serve as a model for researchers and environmental actors around the world," he emphasized.

Benefits

Professor Ratsimbazafy is a major player in safeguarding lemurs and Madagascar's forests through research programs, conservation initiatives, and protected area management with concrete impact on preserving national natural heritage. President of the Study and Research Group on Primates of Madagascar (GERP) and director of Houston Zoo programs in Madagascar, he is a world-renowned scientist who has devoted over 30 years to biodiversity research and conservation, bringing Madagascar to international prominence. He is the author of more than 300 scientific publications and ranks among the most influential and cited Malagasy scientists worldwide.

Steven Goodman has devoted over 37 years to research and conservation of Madagascar's exceptional biodiversity. He has discovered nearly 90 endemic species of Madagascar, making an exceptional contribution to scientific knowledge of national biodiversity. He is a reference author with more than 770 scientific publications and 30 authoritative books and monographs on Madagascar's biodiversity and protected areas. Finally, Russell Alan Mittermeier has helped establish Madagascar as one of the world's highest priority countries for biodiversity preservation. He has helped raise millions of dollars dedicated to protecting threatened animal and plant species as well as national parks in Madagascar.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development continuously places the promotion of environmental research at the heart of its actions to strengthen the safeguarding of natural resources. Beyond conservation actions, this generates numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits for Madagascar.