BMAC is a NGO that works to conserve the Endangered Barbary macaque and its habitat and to promote knowledge of the species.
Established in 2009 by Sian Waters and Ahmed El Harrad, the project was initiated in response to the Endangered status of Barbary macaques in the wild. Barbary macaques are threatened by habitat destruction, overgrazing by domestic livestock, and the illegal trade which sees infants being captured from the wild and kept as pets, a practice that is as damaging for welfare as it is for the conservation of the species.
Our goal
The overall goal of the project is to safeguard the future of the Barbary macaque, its habitats, and the livelihoods of the local communities who are part of the ecosystem in which the macaques live.
Our mission
Raise awareness about the macaques and collect scientific data.
Develop programmes which benefit local people and their domestic animals.
Fight the illegal trade of Barbary macaques.
Protect the forest and the animals, plants and people that depend on them.
Foster positive relationships between people, the macaque and the wildlife that shares its habitat.
Our approach
Conservationists are beginning to recognise that conservation strategy derived from ecological data does not necessarily guarantee positive conservation outcomes. The majority of species are endangered due to human influence. With this in mind, we take a different approach, drawing on ethnographic data collection and analysis to develop conservation strategy for pro-conservation behaviour change. In addition to our monitoring field work, we run education initiatives for children and adults and work with local authorities to enforce confiscation of illegally caught Barbary macaques. We believe in working closely with local communities for truly inclusive conservation. To this end, one of our major current projects is the completion of a conservation and education centre where we will be able to train people in sustainable agriculture, basic healthcare and domestic animal welfare and health. Learn more of our work in the what we do page.
Successes and future vision
Working with our local counterparts in Morocco, the Haut Commissariet aux Eaux et Forêts et â la Lutte Contre La Désertification – Rabat and Tétouan – and the Abdelmaleck Essaâdi, Tétouan (Faculty of Science), we have had great successes over the last five years, and we feel positive about the future for Barbary macaques in the north of Morocco as our organisation and partner-ships continue to grow.
More of our work
Check out the Our work page to learn more about what we do. You can also learn more about our team in the Who we are page.
See our Projects page for details on all our past and current initiatives, pictures of our work in progress, and inspiration about ways you can support us and the Barbary macaques.
The BMAC Team