Birdwatchers love and appreciate nature, but not every birdwatcher has a hand in protecting millions of acres in one of the world’s most unique natural areas. Then again, not every birdwatcher is Olivier Langrand. Olivier went from bird watching at a young age to writing the definitive guidebook on the birds of Madagascar to actually collaborating with the government of Madagascar to develop their historical commitment to triple its network of protected areas.

In his current role as CI’s Senior Vice President for International Government Relations, Olivier is building on CI’s success in countries like Madagascar. Economic, cultural and natural prosperity can only be achieved in a world that takes care of its environment, and Olivier’s work is encouraging governments worldwide to forge policies promoting harmony between people and nature.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Africa: Prior to taking on his current role as SeniorVice President for International Government Relations, Olivier was in charge of CI’s Africa and Madagascar Programs. As many of this continent’s biodiversity hotspots also face conflict and development needs, the region poses special challenges for conservation.

Birds: Olivier has written the authoritative field guide to the birds of Madagascar, the Comoros, the Mascarenes and the Seychelles Islands.

Bushmeat: The hunting of wildlife for subsistence or commercial purposes has reached crisis proportions in many parts of the world.

Conservation science and planning: Olivier has been involved in projects ranging from ecological research and surveys to forest and wetland management to agronomy and forestry.

Ecotourism: Travel can be about much more than adventure. Ecotourism helps raise awareness of environmental issues while providing economic opportunities for local people.

Madagascar: More than a decade of Olivier’s career has been spent in this island nation, focusing on its preserving its unique biodiversity.

Multinational conservation partnerships: Environmental crises don’t recognize national boundaries. Olivier’s work to help people understand that the global environmental issues that affect everyone on earth and demand a global response.