USAID/Madagascar is seeking comments on the Concept Paper for a new Environment and Biodiversity project in Madagascar.

The Mission would like to acquire additional technical insight of our geographic and technical focus and further hone the focus / refine the scope as necessary.

credit: John Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Department of Economics

/>We are particularly interested in your feedback to answer the following questions (general remarks are also welcome):
• Are the geographic areas of focus filling the existing gap and strategically aligned with the general donor and stakeholder activity in Madagascar? Within the priority areas identified in the Concept Paper, how could USAID funded activities most strategically align with or complement existing or new efforts supported by other donors? • Are there key components within these strategies which are particularly relevant given current threats? • Within the geographic regions identified, which biodiversity components might be given special consideration or could be considered at highest risk due to recent increases in threats or potential for irreversible loss? • Given limited budget and resources, are there any systematic or structural issues which are critical to address in the short term to address the priorities identified in the Concept Paper? This announcement is being published on www.grants.gov and www.fbo.gov.

It does not constitute a solicitation, and the attached Concept Paper is neither a statement of work nor a program description; no decision on the implementation mechanism(s) has been made.

This request in no way commits USAID to pay and cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a response hereto.

The Mission will share any feedback received via an amendment to this announcement.

Please provide your comments to antananarivoco@usaid.gov by COB December 1, 201 4.

Thank you for your cooperation!