Many international organisations that normally provide conservation aid to Madagascar suspended their support after the government takeover in March 2009. Some internet reports have implied that there is complicity between government and the people who are profiting from the illegal logging. International conservation organisations have alleged that national government has used the opportunity to fill its own coffers.

Illegal logging apparently ceased in Marojejy after the authorities in the Sava Region introduced supplementary taxes on all forestry products. However, this has resulted in the timber traders moving all their efforts to Masoala where, according to Internet reports, there is no police presence and no political will to put a stop to the illegal activity.

WildMadagascar.org suggests that the international community can help by lobbying for the resumption of aid to conservation agencies working in the affected areas and by supporting local NGOs like Fanamby. They suggest local advocacy through letters to the press and calls to the radio to demand that government take action to stop the illegal logging.

What can be done? Are there effective ways of supporting communities surrounding the parks that are being targetted by illegal timber traders? Should international conservation agencies resume their aid programmes?