Madagascar Restoration Project - Nosy La Guerre, Betsiboka River Estuary

About

More than 90% of Madagascar's original forests have been destroyed, displacing entire animal species and limiting the Malagasy's ability to farm and live on the land. With financial support from Salesforce, Eden Reforestation Projects is producing, planting, and protecting 2 million trees in Ankarafantsika National Park and 8 million mangrove trees in the Betsiboka River Estuary. Between both sites, the project will employ 200+ full-time and seasonal workers who receive a fair wage to produce and plant trees, patrol, and fight forest fires. The Betsiboka River's estuaries were once surrounded by mangrove forests that created various habitats for unique plant and animal species. Local Malagasy people relied on the fish and shellfish living in these ecosystems for sustainable food sources. Unfortunately, nearly a century of logging of these mangroves has resulted in massive deforestation, and exceptionally high erosion rates as the mangroves' deep root systems are vital for stabilizing the coastline and reducing erosion. With the mangroves' loss, bright red soil from the hillsides washes into the streams and rivers that lead to the coast. The sediment is filling and clogging the coastal waterways, with devastating consequences for animal life and local villagers' livelihoods. Through their partnership with Salesforce, Eden Reforestation Projects will hire local people to plant 8 million trees at the Nosy Lageur site. The planting team will work to restore their environment while lifting the local community out of extreme poverty.

First tree planted

March 5, 2021

Employees

192

Planting seasons

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November.

Main challenge

Large and complex site

Cause of degradation

Large-scale and organized charcoal producers and tree poachers have targeted the mangrove channels and the inland forests. Over the last ten years, these threats have had a tremendous impact on the mangrove forest, and it is dwindling quickly.

Why this site?

The Nosy La Guerre site is located in a mangrove estuary that is a vital fish nursery and an important fishing ground for the local community. Mangrove deforestation results in destabilizing the coastline and increasing coastal communities’ vulnerability to storms and other weather events.

Long term protection

Provide support to the local community to collect mangrove propagules and strategically plant millions of mangrove trees in areas that have been heavily degraded or deforested. Guard and protect the reforestation site through a networks of guards and guard stations.