Making conservation work in Madagascar



Designating an area as a park does not immediately address the needs of local people. A park in an of itself does not alleviate hunger or provide shelter, healthcare, or education. Conservation in Madagascar must be integrated with economic development and poverty alleviation. Efforts must not only protect wildlife and ecosystems but also create sustainable livelihoods. Conservation cannot come at the expense of local communities; rather, local people must be active partners and direct beneficiaries, not adversaries.

In seeking a "solution" to Madagascar’s environmental challenges—whether through agroforestry, extractive reserves, ecotourism, or other strategies—the ultimate fate of its ecosystems lies in the hands of local people. Some argue that restricting economic growth can "save" wildlands, but the reality is that parks and reserves will only persist if local communities see conservation as beneficial to their material well-being. Conservation efforts must align with local aspirations, ensuring that people have viable economic alternatives to destructive land-use practices.

Masoala—The Eye of the Forest: A New Strategy for Rainforest Conservation in Madagascar, a book on conservation in the biologically rich rainforest of the Masoala Peninsula, reiterates these points:

    "Everyone who lives on the Masoala peninsula depends on natural resources for survival. Almost no one at Masoala has the option, let alone the means, to become a lawyer, doctor, journalist, pilot, bus driver, secretary, mechanic, or librarian—let alone to aspire to a leisurely retirement. Average life expectancy in Madagascar is about 56 years.

    As a result, economic development and poverty alleviation are vital to help rural communities transition away from survival strategies based exclusively on natural-resource use. However, programs that simply aim to increase incomes often accelerate environmental degradation. Poverty reduction programs at sites like Masoala must be integrated with natural resource management to ensure that economic development is ecologically sustainable."

Success in conserving Madagascar’s wildlands will require balancing the immediate needs of local people with the long-term benefits of conservation. The following sections explore potential strategies to address the root causes of environmental degradation while improving livelihoods.

AGRICULTURE

Subsistence agriculture is a way of life in Madagascar. While tavy (slash-and-burn agriculture) may have evolved as an effective strategy in some landscapes, current practices—where fallow periods are too short to allow sufficient regrowth—have led to severe soil depletion and deforestation.

A more sustainable approach may lie in improving and intensifying existing agricultural practices and promoting alternative techniques such as permaculture and agroforestry. One promising method is the use of savoka gardens, which are planted on fallow tavy plots. These gardens involve a carefully selected succession of trees and plants that restore soil fertility while providing food, fuel, and income.

For example, wild ginger (longoza) replenishes phosphorus, while nitrogen-fixing legumes restore soil health. Perennial crops such as citrus, manioc, vanilla, banana, mango, pepper, cacao, coffee, and rubber can regenerate degraded soils and produce income for decades. Agroforestry techniques like these help maintain biodiversity, prevent erosion, and create long-term economic stability.

Despite their benefits, widespread adoption of savoka gardens has been slow. The deep-rooted cultural preference for rice cultivation has made it difficult to promote alternative crops, even when they offer better yields. Successful implementation of agroforestry systems will likely depend on integrating rice production, improving market access, and establishing microcredit facilities to help farmers invest in sustainable practices.

OTHER SUSTAINABLE FOREST PRODUCTS

Improved agricultural practices are only one way to provide sustainable incomes to rural Malagasy communities. Another approach is the responsible harvesting of forest products, which can generate economic benefits without destroying ecosystems.

According to Masoala—The Eye of the Forest, more than 290 plant species on the Masoala Peninsula alone are used by local people for fuelwood, construction, medicine, carving, and other purposes. These products have significant potential in both local and international markets.

For example, the rosy periwinkle, a plant native to Madagascar, led to the development of two cancer-fighting drugs—vincristine and vinblastine—which once generated more than $160 million annually. Rainforest plants have provided treatments for diseases ranging from childhood leukemia to malaria. Globally, about 25% of Western medicines originate from tropical plants.

Vanilla has long been a valuable and environmentally friendly crop in northeastern Madagascar, thriving under the shade of canopy trees. However, a new sun-tolerant variety, introduced through an EU-funded economic support program, may encourage the expansion of vanilla plantations at the cost of deforestation.

To make sustainable forest products viable for local communities, reliable access to markets is essential. Improving infrastructure, reducing trade barriers, and ensuring fair compensation for producers are critical steps toward making sustainable forest economies a reality.

ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism may be Madagascar’s most promising opportunity to improve livelihoods while protecting its natural heritage. According to the Bradt guide, around 50% of visitors to Madagascar now visit a protected area, compared to only 20% in 1995. Well-managed ecotourism can generate substantial revenue, create jobs, and provide strong incentives for conservation.

Unlike other industries, ecotourism assigns direct economic value to intact ecosystems. Visitors pay to experience Madagascar’s unique landscapes and wildlife, supporting conservation through entrance fees, local guide employment, and community-based tourism initiatives. Many tourists also contribute through conservation levies and donations to local projects.

In Madagascar, local communities benefit directly from ecotourism through their 50% share of park entrance fees, sales of handicrafts, and employment as porters, wildlife guides, park rangers, and hospitality workers. Training programs such as the ANGAP guide training initiative provide community members with valuable skills in ecotourism, language, and environmental education.

However, ecotourism requires careful planning to be truly sustainable. Poorly managed tourism—characterized by overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and lax environmental controls—can degrade the very ecosystems it aims to protect. To ensure long-term success, ecotourism should be carefully regulated, with limits on visitor numbers, well-enforced environmental guidelines, and revenue-sharing models that directly benefit local people.

Ecotourism should not be restricted to legally protected areas. Natural landscapes outside parks can also benefit from tourism revenue, providing economic incentives for conservation even in unprotected regions. When properly managed, the presence of ecotourists can help deter illegal logging, hunting, and other destructive activities.

<< Previous | Next >>

Conservation index