Researchers have been elevated to the rank of dignitaries of the Malagasy National Order. The State has promoted Professor Jonah Henri Ratsimbazafy to the rank of Grand Officer of the National Order, and Dr. Russell Alan Mittermeier and Professor Steven Michael Goodman to the rank of Commander of the National Order. This distinction recognizes their distinguished work and recognized expertise in the field of nature and environmental protection. They have contributed significantly to the protection and preservation of the environment through their research, benefiting both Madagascar and the entire world.
“Your research is of great importance. It does not only serve Madagascar, but benefits the whole world,” said the President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, to Prof. Jonah Henri Ratsimbazafy during the ceremony held at the Iavoloha State Palace yesterday. He also expressed his gratitude to the two foreign researchers who dedicated their youth to Madagascar. “I am convinced that your achievements will continue to serve as a model for researchers and environmental actors around the world,” he emphasized.
Prof. Ratsimbazafy is a major player in the safeguarding of lemurs and Malagasy forests, thanks to research, conservation, and protected area management programs that have a concrete impact on the preservation of national natural heritage. As President of the Madagascar Primate Study and Research Group (GERP) and director of Houston Zoo programs in Madagascar, he is a world-renowned scientist who has dedicated over 30 years to biodiversity research and conservation, promoting Madagascar on the international stage. He is the author of over 300 scientific publications and is among the most influential and cited Malagasy scientists in the world.
Steven Goodman has dedicated over 37 years to the research and conservation of Madagascar’s exceptional biodiversity. He has discovered nearly 90 species endemic to Madagascar, making an exceptional contribution to the scientific knowledge of national biodiversity. He is a reference author with over 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 top priority countries for biodiversity conservation. He has helped raise millions of dollars dedicated to the protection of 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 wealth. Beyond conservation actions, this generates numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits for Madagascar.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-27 23:53:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/biodiversite-trois-protecteurs-de.html