Lemurs in Madagascar are increasingly threatened by poverty and environmental issues, which also endanger the communities protecting them. Patricia Wright, a key figure in lemur conservation, argues that successful strategies must intertwine conservation with health and education. With around 80% of the Malagasy population living in poverty, many resort to slash-and-burn agriculture and logging, even in protected areas, as economic pressures mount. Wright's Centre ValBio trains locals as biodiversity monitors and supports health clinics and sustainable agriculture initiatives. These efforts aim to provide income without harming forests. Additionally, Wright uses film to raise global awareness about Madagascar's biodiversity crisis, emphasizing that conservation cannot succeed in isolation from the socio-economic challenges faced by local communities. Addressing these interconnected issues is crucial for the future of both lemurs and the people of Madagascar.