Conservation Allies supports critical protective actions and law enforcement for the unique dry forests of Bemarivo Reserve
Deep in the remote Melaky region of northwest Madagascar lies the Bemarivo Special Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot that’s fighting for survival. This protected forest has already lost an alarming 64% of its original cover to illegal logging, but thanks to decisive action from our partner, there’s new hope for its recovery.
The Crisis at Bemarivo
Madagascar is home to more unique and endemic species at risk of extinction than anywhere else on Earth. The Bemarivo Special Reserve should be a safe haven for this incredible biodiversity, but illegal land grabs inside the Reserve have resulted in logging and clearing of the forest for farming.
These illegal activities don’t just harm wildlife–they also set dangerous fires that can spread rapidly through the dry forest, destroying even more habitat and threatening ecosystems.
Taking Action on the Ground
Conservation Allies is supporting our local partner, TANJONA Association, in launching the first-ever Conservation Brigades in the Melaky region of Madagascar. Working closely with local government authorities (DREDD Melaky), the team carried out a comprehensive mission to stop further deforestation and protect what’s left of Bemarivo’s forests.
The five-part operation included:
Building Official Support: TANJONA presented their conservation plan to regional authorities and secured official backing for their protection efforts, including the deployment of a specialized Conservation Brigade.
Coordinating Protection Forces: The team organized joint patrols with law enforcement officers to create a unified approach to forest protection.
Educating Communities: Conservation officers visited nearby villages to explain why the reserve and its forests matter–not just for wildlife, but for clean water, climate stability, and long-term community wellbeing.
Removing Illegal Settlements: Patrol teams discovered about 20 camps where people were illegally growing crops inside the Reserve. The occupants were escorted out of the Reserve.
Installing Visible Deterrents: Eight new Reserve boundary signs were installed around the Reserve to clearly mark protected boundaries and remind people of the protections in place.
Why This Matters
This operation represents a turning point for forest conservation in Madagascar’s Bemarivo Special Reserve. By combining law enforcement with community education, the Conservation Brigades are addressing both the immediate threat and the underlying causes of forest destruction. Madagascar has already lost over 85% of its original forests, making every remaining Protected Area critically important for the island’s unique species.
A Model for the Future
This coordinated approach–bringing together government authorities, security forces, and local communities–is already showing results. The visible enforcement presence and community awareness campaigns are creating new respect for forest boundaries and wildlife protection laws. By backing local organizations like TANJONA Association, we’re helping protect some of the world’s most irreplaceable ecosystems while building the enforcement capacity needed for long-term success.