ENVIRONMENT
Restoring natural forests and conserving biodiversity
Madagascar possesses a unique and exceptional biodiversity, home to many endemic species like lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs. Approximately 80% of the island's species are found nowhere else, making Madagascar a global conservation priority. However, this biodiversity is threatened by deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal exploitation of natural resources, and climate change. These threats disrupt local ecosystems and can have serious consequences for global biodiversity. Protecting Madagascar is crucial to preserving these ecological and cultural treasures.
What we do
Forest restoration and protection
The forest restoration project aims to rehabilitate degraded lands and protect biodiversity by involving local communities in activities like creating nurseries, collecting seeds, and reinforced patrols to prevent deforestation. Modern technologies, such as GPS and drones, are used to collect and analyze data on ecosystems. Firebreaks are also installed to protect young seedlings from fires.
Sustainable management and agroforestry
The initiative also seeks to improve natural resource management and farmland sustainability through agroforestry techniques, and by training local communities in forest management and agroforestry. Partnerships with the University of Madagascar allow for exploring solutions for the conservation of endemic species.
Strengthening community resilience
To strengthen community resilience, demonstration sites have been established to promote sustainable agricultural practices, and savings systems have been created to improve their financial autonomy. Finally, a 'seeds for work' program helps households participate in forest restoration while improving their food security.
Our impact in numbers
Trees planted
for reforestation
Restored land area
of land restored
Supported local communities
local communities
Firebreaks installed
for protection
Our field actions
Conservation of the Tapia forest and the wild silkworm The Tapia forest (Uapaca bojeri), an endemic species of Madagascar, provides essential woody and non-woody resources for the local economy, including wild silk, mushrooms, orchids, and medicinal plants. The Amoron'i Mania region is distinguished by the existence of Tapia forests, located in the Ambositra, Ambatofinandrahana, and Manandriana districts. The Tapia tree is the host plant for the wild silkworm, an also endemic species. Therefore, the conservation of these two species is essential.
WOMEN ACTIVE IN THE CONSERVATION OF THE TAPIA FOREST IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Ny Tanintsika launched this project, funded by the French Embassy, to valorize women's contribution to the conservation of the Tapia forest and strengthen their resilience to climate change.
The goal is to strengthen the capacities of women members of the Local Community Associations (COBAs) managing the Tapia forest, particularly in silk processing and understanding the effects of climate change.
The project also aims to valorize the resources of the Tapia forest, notably by improving agricultural production through the manufacture of organic fertilizers from wild silkworm excrement.
Women as development agents
To improve their income sources, 50 women receive training on raw silk preparation, spinning, dyeing, and weaving. A community-based financial system is established to support the development of income-generating activities related to silk and organic fertilizer production. Over 260 members have access to financial management training and investment opportunities.
Women as key actors in the conservation of the Tapia forest
Women are more involved in the conservation of the Tapia forest and in repopulating the wild silkworm (landibe) population. The Ampiaka breeding center produces eggs and worms, shared with households for home rearing and released in nearby forests. The worms are fed with Tapia leaves in the center.
Promotion of organic fertilizer
As part of research on the composition of wild silkworm excrement and its use for manure production, a study was conducted with the Ambositra Higher Agricultural Institute. Furthermore, community members were trained in agroecology, with the goal of restoring soil fertility using organic fertilizers. The Ambositra-Vondrozo (COFAV) forest corridor and the Fandriana-Marolambo forest corridor are home to unique fauna and flora. However, the scale of threats facing these ecologically, culturally, and economically precious resources is considerable. To protect natural forests from climate change, forest and landscape restoration is essential. This begins with strengthening forest governance, promoting agroforestry, and enhancing community resilience.
BUILDING COMMUNITY-LED CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN COFAV
This project, funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, operates in several communes in the Ikongo and Ambalavao districts to protect natural forests from climate change.
The Ambositra-Vondrozo (COFAV) forest corridor and the Fandriana-Marolambo forest corridor are home to unique fauna and flora but face considerable threats. Forest and landscape restoration is essential for their protection.
This begins with strengthening forest governance, promoting agroforestry, and enhancing community resilience.
Forest restoration and reforestation
To meet human needs for wood, 8,500 Eucalyptus and Acacia seedlings were planted by the communities. 340 ha of forest were restored with over 132,000 indigenous tree seedlings transplanted. 34 nurseries were established, with 68 nursery managers and phenological agents identified for their maintenance.
Climate-smart agroforestry
28 agroforestry-inspired plots have been established and are now operational on degraded or abandoned lands.
Ecological monitoring and forest cover
A total of 140 youth were identified to participate in ecological monitoring, tasked with tracking forest cover evolution and contributing to environmental preservation.
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN ANKARINORO FACING CLIMATE CHANGE
Ny Tanintsika, with support from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, implements this project to increase the resilience of ecosystems and local populations to the effects of climate change in the rural commune of Ankarinoro.
The project focuses on key biodiversity areas and works with three local community associations (COBAs): Ravinala, Soanierana, and Tsinjolavitra, which manage 5,884 hectares of forests.
To ensure ecosystem resilience, the project emphasizes strengthening the organizational capacity of the COBAs and forest restoration. 12 phenological and ecological monitoring agents have been appointed for regular monitoring of pressures and threats.
Land preparation for agroforestry
The agroforestry technique was introduced at the household level to strengthen ecosystem and community resilience. Demonstration plots were established in slash-and-burn (tavy) cultivation areas to raise awareness and train households to adopt this practice on their own land.
Strengthening community resilience
Training sessions were organized on compost use to improve agricultural production through organic fertilizers. Savings and credit groups were created in the villages, allowing members to save and access loans at minimal interest rates, thus fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.