Listen to the Cries of Nature

Partner Snapshot

The Challenge

Human migration into the forest is triggering deforestation and fragmentation of the remaining forest 'corridor,' particularly through agricultural extension (rice-farming in the valley floors and gradual deforesting of the surrounding hillsides). Illegal logging and mining activities, fuelled by corruption, further threaten the ecosystem. Additionally, hunting of lemurs for consumption continues to deplete wildlife populations.

According to forest cover loss data from 2001 to 2020, the Corridor of Ambositra-Vondrozo (COFAV) lost 51,700 hectares of forest cover, including 37,700 hectares of primary forest. The main threat to fauna is habitat destruction and collection of animals for sale.

The Lemur Conservation Strategy identifies COFAV as home to 21 lemur taxa, of which 6 are critically endangered, 7 endangered, 4 vulnerable, 1 near threatened, and 3 data deficient. COFAV has the highest number of lemur species of any protected area in Madagascar—with a disproportionate number in elevated threat categories.

Urgent Solutions

Ny Tanintsika is addressing these threats through education and awareness-raising activities, and by strengthening forest management and governance. Their approach includes:

• Increasing the number of monthly patrols to gather more information on existing pressures and to dissuade exploitation of forest trees and agricultural expansion
• Creating a mixed brigade comprising the Regional Directorate for the Environment and Sustainable Development team, local gendarmerie, and patrol officers from each community forest management association (VOI) to conduct unannounced checks every three months
• Restoring damaged forest areas through tree planting initiatives with local communities
• Encouraging people around the forest to plant trees for their daily needs to reduce pressure on natural forests
• Improving the livelihoods of local residents to engage them as active participants in forest protection

Why Your Donation Matters

The Ambositra-Vondrozo Forest Corridor contains a wealth of flora and fauna biodiversity that will disappear as forest degradation continues. The impact of climate change is already visible, causing food insecurity for people living around the forest. At the current rate of degradation, these forests could disappear within 70 years.

If deforestation continues, valuable genetic diversity—including unique species of wildlife and valuable tree species—will be lost forever. This part of the forest is the source of several rivers in southern and southeastern Madagascar, and its destruction will lead to drought and famine throughout the region.

Your donation will help Ny Tanintsika protect this critical forest corridor, preserve endangered species, and support sustainable development for local communities who depend on this ecosystem.

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