Centre ValBio Research Campus and Training Center

ICTE's research campus, Centre ValBio (CVB), is located adjacent to Ranomafana National Park, a 41,601ha protected area in Madagascar's south-eastern rainforest. RNP was established in 1991 and declared a World Heritage Site in July 2007. Dr. Patricia Wright, Founder and Executive Director of ICTE/CVB, has been conducting research in the area since 1986.

Centre ValBio's mission is to facilitate contributions to understanding the value of biodiversity through research, training and education. CVB encourages the responsible use of natural resources in order to promote sustainable development in Madagascar.  Centre ValBio reaches out to the local communities through education and economic development.

 

Centre ValBio Activities Include:

Research - Basic and Applied with a focus on Eastern rainforest biodiversity studies (behavioral ecology, species assessment, environmental impact, ecological monitoring - CVB is a Conservation International TEAM site) including socio-ecological and socio-economic studies such as sustainable use of natural resources and forest products.

Training - Formal training including undergraduate study abroad programs, assistance with research projects to fulfill DEA/MSc/PhD degree requirements. Additionally CVB offers professional workshops and seminars for national and international scientists, governmental and non-governmental agencies, technical training for reforestation, sustainable agricultural practices, community development and conservation education.

Community Outreach - CVB delivers educational programs to over 22 villages around Ranomafana National Park. The programs include primary school conservation education, health and hygiene, reforestation, nutritional gardening, culinary practices and more.

 

The Centre ValBio campus overlooks the Namorona River and has access to the rainforest. It includes the Administration Building with kitchen, dining room (that seats 65) and doubles as a lecture hall, offices, a research room with library, and laboratory space, in addition to an outdoor classroom and storage building. Construction of an additional building is currently underway. The Centre ValBio NamanaBe Hall includes a 5-story outreach center with climate controlled modern research and computer laboratories (with GIS and high-speed internet) and lodging facilities. NamanaBe Hall is schedule to open in July 2012.

 

Designed by In. Site: Architecture of Perry, New York, the new NamanBe Hall aligns with ICTE’s goal of preserving biodiversity. The building will serve as a model for green design practices and help cultivate a deep respect for the campus, the location and the adjacent rainforest. Local materials and careful stewardship of resources have been applied - locally sourced granite, brick and bamboo for flooring. The project additionally incorporates a habitable planted roof, gray water recycling, solar hot water, natural cooling, enhanced daylighting, and an eco-swale. The building’s wedge-like form adheres to the topography of the landscape and offers many vantage points for forest observation and places for study, reflection and gathering.