A Behavioural Science Approach to Community-Led Conservation at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar

This collaborative PhD at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology explores the behavioural and social factors driving environmental degradation at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest freshwater ecosystem. Home to unique species including the critically endangered Alaotran gentle lemur, Lake Alaotra faces threats from marsh burning, agricultural expansion, and overexploitation. Despite conservation efforts, unsustainable practices persist, embedded within livelihoods of over 550,000 local people. Partnering with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and local stakeholders, the project applies behavioural science methods to identify psychological, social, and structural drivers of harmful activities and co-design sustainable, community-led interventions ensuring conservation-aligned livelihoods. The PhD uses a mixed-methods interdisciplinary approach including quantitative and qualitative social science research with diverse stakeholders, integrating behavioural data with ecological and spatial datasets like fire mapping and biodiversity monitoring. The student will co-design and test interventions with Durrell and local communities, working closely with an interdisciplinary supervisory team and gaining experience through a 3-month research placement. Outcomes include improved understanding of behavioural, social, and economic dynamics underpinning unsustainable natural resource use, and practical, culturally embedded interventions to support sustainable livelihoods. This work aims to bridge knowledge gaps, inform policy and conservation practice, and generate actionable impact locally and globally in environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The project addresses urgent conservation and climate challenges by linking human behaviour with ecosystem protection. Lake Alaotra’s biodiversity and the wellbeing of dependent communities are under threat from environmental change and unsustainable use. Developing behaviourally informed, community-based conservation strategies offers a pathway for meaningful, lasting impact in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

You must have qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK honours degree at first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Non-traditional academic backgrounds are welcome. Ability to communicate in French and/or Malagasy is beneficial.

Submit your application via the Psychology study portal at Cardiff University by 30/04/2026 including: WGSSS Application Form, academic CV (max two pages), and two academic or professional references. Shortlisted candidates will present and answer panel questions during interviews likely held in the week commencing 18/05/2026.