WISE Tropics, Inc.

04/22/2026

A devastating fire recently broke out in a local kitchen, quickly spreading and destroying the Women’s Weavers Group Famiova’s shop, three neighboring businesses, and a family home. We are incredibly grateful that everyone was evacuated safely. CVB is collecting donations to help Famiova and their neighbors rebuild from the ashes.
Alternatively you can donate to the WISE Tropics website. All donations this week will support the Women’s Weavers Group to help rebuild their shop and buy new looms.
Every bit helps us get these artisans and families back on their feet.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day to everyone! What a lovely reminder from the Safina Center.

02/26/2026

Stony Brook University's President visits CVB!

The newly appointed President of Stony Brook University, Dr. Andrea Goldsmith, visited Madagascar and Centre ValBio in January 2026. She was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Arturo Salz, her Chief of Staff, Jennifer Almquist and Scott Barrett, Stony Brook’s Interim Vice President for Advancement. After having dinner in Antananarivo with the Stony Brook University Winter 2026 Study Abroad students, Dr. Patricia Wright accompanied President Goldsmith and her team to Ranomafana where they visited the CVB research campus. While there, they met with the President of the University of Fianarantsoa, with CVB staff and current researchers. They also had the chance to explore the Ranomafana National Park, where they were fortunate to observe three species of bamboo lemurs in their natural habitat: Prolemur simus, Hapalemur aureus and Hapalemur griseus.

We extend our sincere thanks to President Goldsmith and her team for taking the time to visit Madagascar and Centre ValBio. We look forward to many more years working with President Goldsmith and Stony Brook University in the hopes that we may be able to expand CVB’s impact in conservation in Madagascar 🇲🇬

12/04/2025

Check out this interview with Dr. Wright where she discusses her experience at the IUCN conservation conference in Abu Dhabi and how Jane Goodall influenced her career.

SBU’s Patricia Wright discusses Jane Goodall, Madagascar, conservation conference Arts & EntertainmentColumnsPower of 3Science & TechnologyStony Brook UniversityVillage Times Herald by Daniel Dunaief - Nov 22, 2025 0 1268 Patricia Wright on a camel ride in the United Arab Emirates. Photo by Floren...

08/08/2025

CVB's annual report!

The Centre ValBio Annual Report 2024 is officially released! Read it here:https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/centre-valbio/documents/CVB_Annual_Report_2024_Final_Digital.pdf

The year was marked by noteworthy progress across our research, conservation, and community programs.

Features include:

- Infant Care and Behavioral Flexibility in Endangered Propithecus
edwardsi (pg. 18)
- Updates from our long-running environmental education programs, including Conservation Club, My Rainforest My World & Rainforest Class, and Madaworks (pg. 30)
- New partnerships with our Health Department to implement child immunizations and provide pre- and post-natal consultations for pregnant women in remote villages (pg. 32)
- Initiatives in our Restoration Ecology Department, including the Forest Corridor Project, which seeks to ensure sustainable development for local communities by creating a
vast forest corridor (pg. 36)
- Training Ecosystem Stewards for the Future of Madagascar (pg. 38)
- Bones of Extinct Hippo Found in Cave in Ranomafana National Park (pg. 45)
- And much more.

Also featuring photography from Ranomafana, Madagascar.

08/08/2025

Please share with your networks!

Stony Brook University seeks an Interim Chief Operating Officer for the Institute for Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE)/Centre ValBio (CVB).

As this position is responsible for overseeing various areas of operation at the Centre ValBio campus in Ranomafana, Madagascar, the successful applicant is expected to be a dynamic leader with a proven track record in the development, implementation and ex*****on of programs, activities and services under their management.

This is an interim, 1-year position. This position is 100% based in Ranomafana, Ifanadiana, Madagascar, home to Centre ValBio and the Ranomafana National Park.

Application deadline is August 19, 2025.

Follow this link for more information: https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2502986&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

📸: Johanna Mitra

07/22/2025

07/22/2025

CVB hosted the IPS Pre Congress 2025!

Centre ValBio is hosting Pre-Congress for the 30th International Primatological Society (IPS) Congress — which Madagascar is hosting this year! 🇲🇬

“By hosting the 2025 Congress in Madagascar, we aim to highlight the critical importance of this unique island nation, which is home to 112 species of lemurs – all of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

“This prestigious event is a cornerstone in the field of primatology, bringing together leading scientists, conservationists, educators, and policymakers from around the globe to discuss and advance primate research and conservation efforts.” — IPS Madagascar 2025

07/22/2025

The Kickstarter campaign for Menghayati! Season 3 ends in nine days! Make sure you pledge your support before it's too late!
Menghayati! is an animal-filled, game show-like nature program hosted by Safina Center Youth Broadcasting Fellow Erik Callender.

We love Eric! Please help support his show if you are able to!

07/22/2025

Watch a the movie Madagascar at the Zoo!

Watch a movie at the Zoo! Monroe County Parks Department will host Madagascar at Seneca Park Zoo on July 25th. Gates open at 8:15 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.). This event is FREE.

Snacks available for purchase.
senecaparkzoo.org/event/movie-at-the-zoo-madagascar