Reforestation 2.0 in our villages in Madagascar

Our latest project with GlobaGiving is now online since November 20, 2024

Project Summary

Reforestation is the heart of our activities in rural Madagascar. Applying the lessons learned from over 15 years of community driven reforestation, we launch a new ambitious ‘Reforestation 2.0 Project’: Planting a contiguous forest with 20,000 trees.

What is the problem?

Deforestation in Madagascar dominates the international headlines. The ever-growing need for firewood to cook food to eat, erosion and brush fires, to name a few, compound the challenges. But lamenting deforestation, as well meaning as this analysis might be, does not tackle the problem. Active, community driven reforestation can.

How will this project solve the problem?

Spearheaded by the committee of leaders, we have an ambitious goal: Planting 20,000 trees for the 2024-2026 season with involvement of our gardeners, students and active community members. Our 4 Zahana gardeners, drawing on their decade of expertise, will again grow the seedlings required for reforestation locally. Combined with securing a dedicated larger piece of land for our ‘Reforestation 2.0’, trees will be planted in one place, creating a contiguous future forest.

Potential Long-Term Impact

The communities will restore the forest which once existed, focusing on native trees, providing shelter for wild animals, birds and endemic insects, while protecting the land against erosion. Actively planting a new forest is a paradigm shift in our community driven reforestation. From generation to generation, it becomes as a role model for other communities of what can be accomplished with active reforestation while making reforestation the ‘new normal’ for our young students.