Conservation of lemurs and other endemic wildlife in Madagascar

I think it's wonderful that President Marc Ravalomanana and several motivated NGOs have defined a vision for conservation in Madagascar. With most of the island's forest already gone, and many habitats in need of protection, it is an absolutely urgent situation. However, most recent news announcements out of Madagascar are about mining: gold, platinum, other metals, and even diamonds. Large scale mining, and its purported economic benefits, and biodiversity conservation just don't mix.

Sadly, I think these conservation efforts may be a day late and a dollar (or ariary ) short!