Conservation of Madagascar's Forests

The association was founded in May 2024, with the primary goal of preserving Madagascar’s natural environment.  Its Malagasy name, "Ny Harena," refers to everything considered precious, and can also evoke the idea of wealth or well-being that we seek to preserve or pass on to future generations.

Although globally known as one of the poorest countries, Madagascar is endowed with considerable natural resources and unparalleled biodiversity, not to mention its cultural diversity.  Forest ecosystems play a fundamental role in biodiversity conservation, as they are home to a large number of plant and animal species.  Furthermore, forests contribute to climate regulation, soil protection, and the conservation of water resources.  The vision of the Ny Harena association is therefore to highlight Madagascar’s natural wealth and to take action to preserve its biological resources in collaboration with local communities, particularly by involving future generations. 

The origins of Ny Harena are rooted in Madagascar. All the founding members of the association have a special connection to the Red Island: whether as their country of birth, residence, or the country of their heart.  A sense of responsibility and a deep desire to make a difference emerged in each of us as we witnessed the reality of deforestation. 

Ny Harena proposes to address this challenge by taking action on various levels.  The association focuses its work on the preservation and restoration of forest plots, but also aims to develop environmental education projects with local schools as well as promote community forest management programs,  and propose community-based ecotourism initiatives that generate income from forest conservation, encouraging communities to protect their environment.

PROJECT: Restoration of the thornbush of southwestern Madagascar

Ny Harena has been designated as the manager of an 11-hectare forest plot in the thorny bush of southwestern Madagascar.  The aim of this first project is to restore this forest plot, from which timber has been partially harvested for construction as well as for charcoal production.  The ultimate goal of the project would be to subsequently acquire new forest plots in the immediate vicinity, thereby increasing the protected area and habitats conducive to the development of flora and fauna,  but also to work with neighboring landowners to harmonize the management of the thorny bush on a broader scale and thus ensure connections between biodiversity hotspots,  providing species with favorable conditions for their movement and the completion of their life cycles.