MAG/11/122 - Reforestation

Objective: The objective of this project is to increase the area of trees and woodland around Antolojanahari, in Madagascar. Madagascar has a very high deforestation rate that is causing a lot of environmental degradation and hardships for local people who use the forests.

Background: Deforestation is one of the biggest environmental issues facing Madagascar. Deforestation - resulting in water resource degradation and soil loss - has affected large areas of Madagascar`s previously biologically productive lands. In Antolojanahari, 250 hectares have been reforested since 1989. However, each year fires destroy part of the woodland and trees need to be planted again. In 2011, 20 hectares of wood burned. Primary causes of forest loss include slash-and-burn for agricultural land (a practice known locally as tavy) and for pasture, selective logging for precious woods or construction material, the collection of fuel wood (including charcoal production), and forest clearing for mining. The previous areas were funded through donations to the Akamasoa association. However, one of the funding sources they had for many years (through a EU project) for the school feeding programme stopped in 2011.

Use of Funds: The 1% funds will allow the group to continue a planting program that has so far planted an area of 250 hectares. The land was ""donated"" to the Akamasoa community by the government of Madagascar and the community has access and usage rights over an area of around 460 hectares. The seeds and trees purchased through this project will allow to reforest about 3 to 4 hectares of land. The trees planted are eucalyptus, pines, acacias, oaks, ravitsara (a local variety in Madagascar) and fruit trees. The children from the primary and secondary schools will be directly involved in the reforestation project. The families living in the village Antolojanahari help organize snacks for the children, take care of the tree nursery, ensure that agricultural tools are well maintained and placed in the appropriate place, take action in case of emergency (fires). The Akamasoa community is active in the management of the area to ensure the trees will survive.

Beneficiaries: 6300