Madagascar’s spiny forests are among the most unique and threatened ecosystems on Earth, but they face relentless pressure from illegal logging and land clearing. The PK32–Ranobe Protected Area—one of the largest PAs for Madagascar’s spiny forest and dry forest ecotone, which harbors species found nowhere else—was established in 2015 thanks to WWF.
Tragically, almost immediately after the declaration of PK32–Ranobe Protected Area WWF abandoned its management and protection, leading to accelerating deforestation since 2015.
In early 2025, the FARAFATSI Association—a local organization established to save PK32–Ranobe Protected Area, was established with support from Conservation Allies. Throughout October and November 2025, FARAFATSI led multiple missions to change this reality, demonstrating how local partnerships can turn the tide against illegal deforestation in PK32–Ranobe, even in the face of powerful opposition.
October: Four-Day Enforcement Mission
In mid-October, FARAFATSI joined forest officers, gendarmes, and local authorities for an intensive four-day patrol through the Protected Area. The team intercepted two trucks carrying approximately 120 massive timber logs, extinguished an active forest fire, dismantled three illegal settlement huts , and destroyed several charcoal kilns—a leading driver of forest loss. Using traditional community rules called “DINA,” offenders transporting pirogues (small boats) and timber signed commitments to cease illegal activities.
November: Eviction Planning and Major Timber Seizure
Recent observations revealed major deforestation hotspots where fires and forest clearing continue despite protected status. FARAFATSI worked with regional environment authorities (DREDD) to convene the District-level Crisis Management Committee. On November 11th, the District Chief chaired a meeting with representatives from the Gendarmerie, Police, Military, DREDD, and Judiciary, who unanimously approved an eviction operation of logging camps. While waiting on court approval to carry out the mission, FARAFATSI continues assisting DREDD with operational planning.
Meanwhile, illegal timber extraction typically occurs at night and on weekends when enforcement is limited. To counter this, Conservation Allies funds FARAFATSI’s Conservation Brigades for targeted patrols during high-risk periods.
On a two-day patrol mission in mid November, a Conservation Brigade intercepted a truck carrying 486 wooden planks and 18 timber logs. The truck was transferred to DREDD custody, with formal legal proceedings beginning immediately after.
In the days following the seizure, FARAFATSI faced significant pressure from multiple actors attempting to halt the prosecution. Despite this coordinated pressure from multiple levels of authority, FARAFATSI held firm, ensuring the case would proceed to prosecution.
Protecting Madagascar’s Forests Through Partnership
The October and November operations underscore both the persistent threats facing PK32–Ranobe’s forests and the effectiveness of the partnership between Conservation Allies and FARAFATSI. Through Conservation Allies’ support—including helping establish FARAFATSI and funding the Conservation Brigades—these collaborative efforts are creating real accountability for environmental crimes. With an eviction operation pending and legal action underway against timber traffickers, FARAFATSI continues proving that determined enforcement can protect even Madagascar’s most threatened landscapes.
