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Our StoryOur story began in 1993, when entomologist Brian Fisher first explored Andohahela National Park in search of new insect species. That expedition sparked a lifelong journey across Madagascar—hundreds of expeditions that revealed thousands of previously unknown species and deepened our understanding of one of Earth’s most unique ecosystems.
To build local scientific capacity, Fisher and his Malagasy colleagues founded the Madagascar Biodiversity Center (MBC) in 2004. With land provided by the Ministry of Education and support from private donors, the Center officially opened its doors in November 2006 in Antananarivo. Since then, MBC has become a national hub for biodiversity research, conservation, and training—a place where Malagasy scientists lead the study and protection of their country’s natural heritage. The California Academy of Sciences remains a strategic partner, supporting MBC’s research and education programs and providing an international platform for collaboration. In 2022, MBC launched the Edible Insect Research Lab (Valala Farm) to expand its mission from conserving biodiversity to harnessing it for resilience. The lab explores how insects can improve the nutrition of people, animals, and plants. By developing sustainable, locally produced protein and organic fertilizer, MBC and Valala Farm are tackling malnutrition, strengthening food security, and reducing pressure on Madagascar’s remaining forests. |
Parc Botanique et Zoologique Tsimbazaza and the California Academy of Sciences are strategic partners of MBC.
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Meet Our Administration
Balsama Rajemison
Executive Director |
S. Andriamampionona
Lead Accountant |
Clara Ravololoniaina
Building Operations |
Mami Rajaonarivo
Security, Chef, Gardener |
Faly Randriamifidy
Security |
Christophe Mickael
Driver |
International Council Members
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Sylvain Hugel
University of Strasbourg , CNRS |
Do good science and good for society
We aim to translate our scientific knowledge of arthropods for direct conservation outcomes. We have the capacity to use this knowledge to provide science-based solutions to address some of the critical challenges facing Madagascar.
Our collections-based research includes comparative studies of living and preserved collections in an evolutionary context. We are enabling this resource for the evaluation of conservation status, predictive assessments of the impacts of global change on species, populations and communities, and assessments of ecosystem health.
A further emphasis is to train and build capacity in the core skills of biodiversity science.
Our collections-based research includes comparative studies of living and preserved collections in an evolutionary context. We are enabling this resource for the evaluation of conservation status, predictive assessments of the impacts of global change on species, populations and communities, and assessments of ecosystem health.
A further emphasis is to train and build capacity in the core skills of biodiversity science.
Visiting Researcher and facility fees
See a list of fees for dorm room, lab use, and conference room rental: click here
