“I have been chasing poachers for 20 years” – how we are helping Durrell to protect the ploughshare tortoise

DLA Piper has a long-standing commitment to conservation. On a pro bono basis our lawyers act for governments and leading wildlife organisations in supporting initiatives to protect fragile habitats, reduce species extinction and promote a human rights-based approach to conservation. In this climate and conservation series we will speak to members of the organisations we are working to support, delving into their work, and highlighting their achievements.

Since July 2018, senior lawyers at DLA Piper have been working in partnership with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Government of Madagascar to tackle wildlife crime. As part of this work, our pro bono team provides legal support to the wider Durrell team, including Hasina Randriamanampisoa, Ploughshare Protection Project Officer at Durrell.

Here, Hasina discusses his role and commitment to protecting endangered species.

"I have been chasing poachers and smugglers for twenty years now, working to protect one of the most smuggled endemic Malagasy species, the ploughshare tortoise. This work is crucial as it deals with a current and real emergency.

"At the same time it also has much to do with the future. If I do not do my job properly, there will be disastrous consequences for my country of Madagascar and future generations, who would see the loss of species which have been present on the land since the age of dinosaurs.

The DLA Piper team pictured with French and Malagasy authorities, and confiscated tortoises

"In this role, things often seem to be beyond our control. However, from time to time very rewarding results can happen such as meeting a new person who still believes in what you are doing. works towards the same objectives and listens to your recommendations.

"My work also gives me the opportunity to meet and 'know' the real Malagasy culture with its infinite nuances between different ethnic groups, thanks to the close contact that I have with local communities.

"This is extremely valuable for someone like me who was born, raised, and educated in the capital. I collaborate with local communities to find ways to ensure they are engaged with our work and understand why we are fighting to protect the endangered species.

"This involves motivating village patrollers and providing training in self-defence for the patrols (as patrollers can be attacked by poachers). Ensuring the smooth implementation of the traditional community law called 'Dina' is another big part of my work with local communities.

"Fighting against poachers and smugglers requires much collaboration with law enforcement bodies. The collaboration spans from training to investigation and monitoring cases at the tribunal. I always represent Durrell at the tribunal when we are the plaintiff.

"On a couple of occasions I was part of the official delegation from Madagascar to attend international conferences such as the CITES Conference of the Parties to speak about the country's wishes and visions at the international level.

"Ultimately, this role is such a huge responsibility and I hope this work will inspire future generations. In fact, I have already seen this first-hand as my daughter told me she would like to follow in my footsteps and do the same job. She is currently focusing on her studies at university working towards the same goal of preserving endangered species."

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