The Aranta–Sotema Mangrove Restoration Project is a community-led initiative focused on restoring and protecting 948 hectares of mangrove estuary, riverbanks, and coastal channels just south of Mahajanga. Spearheaded in collaboration with ARC, RIR, and Madagascar’s Department of Environment and Sustainable Development (DREDD), the project plays a vital role in supporting coastal ecosystems under increasing urban pressure.

This landscape, rich in biodiversity and ecological importance, provides nursery grounds for marine life, stabilizes coastlines, and supports traditional fishing livelihoods. In response to its strategic location near the city, the project strengthens local capacity to replant degraded areas and uphold protections already enshrined in law. Community members participate in every stage of the process—from seed collection and nursery care to planting and ongoing monitoring—ensuring that restoration efforts are both culturally grounded and ecologically effective.

Through its close partnership with DREDD, the project also supports the enforcement of mangrove protection laws while raising awareness around sustainable use. Together, these efforts reduce erosion, enhance habitat for wildlife, and sustain the natural buffers that shield coastal communities from storms and sea-level rise. More than a planting initiative, the Aranta–Sotema project reflects long-term stewardship and shared responsibility for one of Madagascar’s most valuable coastal forests.