Exhibition: Madagascar, A World Heritage

The opening of the exhibition "Madagascar, a forgotten world" took place on 10 June 2009 at the Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe, in south western Germany. This exhibition is held under the patronage of Federal President Horst Köhler and organized jointly with the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar in Germany. In their speeches, Dr. Dietrich Birk, State Secretary for Research, Science and Arts for the State of Baden-Württemberg, as well as Dr. Susanne Asche, Director of the Department of Arts for the city of Karlsruhe, have affirmed their commitment to this kind of initiative. These officials stressed the openness of the State of Baden-Württemberg and the city of Karlsruhe, in promoting international cooperation. They said that leaders and citizens are increasingly aware of the interdependence between economic development and environmental protection.

Ms Léa Raholinirina, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Madagascar, praised the efforts of organizers, including the museum team, headed by Prof. Dr. Norbert Lenz, in their efforts to promote the interests of biodiversity protection. The various panels of the exhibition, presented with finesse and precision, showing how the island is rich in natural resources and remains a common heritage to all mankind.

 

A godsend for seven months

 

A major exhibition on Madagascar opened on 11 June 2009 at the Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe, in south western Germany. The exhibition presents the peculiarities of the Malagasy fauna, flora and culture which all evolved in a unique environment compared to other countries.

 

The isolation of the Big Island, where first settlers arrived circa the 10th century AD, resulted in the existence of typical animal and plant species that you see only in Madagascar. Among these treasures, only a minority are known and listed. The secrets of several plant and animal species are still to be discovered and that is one reason why they should be protected.

 

Currently, human pressures weigh heavily on the ecological balance, causing the disappearance of forests and the destruction of other natural systems, partly to bush fires, soil erosion and silting of rivers and lakes. Human activities are targeting new arable land, sometimes, just for survival. Luckily, part of the population is now aware about the need to preserve and manage natural resources for future generations.

 

Nature lovers will be delighted: The exhibition entitled "Madagascar, a forgotten world" recalls the scientific interest that the biodiversity of Madagascar offers to the whole of humanity. The Natural History Museum Karlsruhe displays elements of its valuable collection of specimens from the Big Island. In addition, several other similar institutions in Germany and France the Museum supported the Museum. This exhibition is therefore one of the most comprehensive introductions to the country's biodiversity. Several activities are scheduled in site to the public, researchers and children. Must see. Until January 2010.