This new initiative is funded by a grant from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), a global program that provides financial support for biodiversity hotspot conservation efforts around the world.

The agenda for the launch workshop included presentations highlighting Madagasikara Voakajy's past achievements in the Tseny Lake area, as well as an overview of the objectives and planned activities for the new CEPF-funded project. The focus will be on strengthening community engagement and expanding conservation efforts in the face of climate change in Tseny Lake. Activities will include restoration of degraded areas, reducing the vulnerability of the local population to climate change, natural resource governance in the area, and dissemination of best practices during project implementation.

Importantly, the project will also establish a formal grievance redress mechanism. This process is essential to ensure that the actions taken are in line with the needs and concerns of local communities. It is a participatory approach that allows for the collection and handling of complaints and suggestions in a transparent manner, thus fostering trust and collaboration among all stakeholders.

The launch event in Port-Bergé brought together representatives from regional and district-level authorities in Port-Bergé, community organizations, and other conservation partners. In addition to the presentation by Madagasikara Voakajy, Wildfowl Wetlands Trust (WWT), a co-manager of MV in Tseny Lake, also presented their achievements and future interventions as part of the conservation of these wetlands.