Cooperation for university and scientific research - CORUS baobab

Description

A consortium of Malagasy researchers (University of Antananarivo, CNRE, Fofifa), French researchers (Cirad, CNRS, IRD, universities) has been formed to well lead this project. It is based on a triple scientific questions:

• What is the structuring of the diversity in Adansonia ?

• How these species work in ecosystems that support them ?

• What are the interactions between human and the baobabs ?

The baobabs of the genus Adansonia which six species are endemic in Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte are a biological and cultural heritage in the world. However, these species are threatened by direct human practices (forestry exploitation) or global (deforestation). The conservation and heritage value of these species and ecosystems that support them, require the establishment of sustainable management methods.

 The project is supported by a multidisciplinary team and multi-institutional based in Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte and relies on high skills of France teams. It is structured around five research themes:

• Place and biological functioning of the baobabs in ecosystems

• Genetic diversity and adaptation of the baobabs ecophysiological

• Relations between baobabs and some associated species

• The baobabs, source of useful molecules

• Human practices, uses and representations related to the baobabs.

The different expected products are  :

Academics by scientific publications in international magazines

Research training in particular young Malagasy, Comorian and French researchers (PhD and master students); development through the provision of scientific elements capable to guide the environmental choice of countries concerned
A enhanced value of the work destinated to the general public, in the form of films.

Corus : Coopération pour la Recherche Universitaire et Scientifique (Cooperation for university and scientific research )