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Did you know that 90% of the species found in Madagascar are native to the island and has a population of 21 million people?
However, Madagascar has a lot of threats to its species, animals and population due to the negative implications of climate change. In fact, 90% of Madagscars forests have been deforestation. 40% of those in the last 60 years.
Why does it matter?
Endemic Species at Risk: Madagascar is home to a high number of endemic species, meaning these species are found nowhere else in the worldThe destruction of forests leads to habitat loss for these species, pushing them closer to extinction.
Lemur Populations: Lemurs are particularly highlighted as they play a critical role in seed dispersal, which helps in forest regeneration. The decline in lemur populations due to habitat loss can lead to long-term ecological imbalance and further degradation of the forest ecosystem.
Dependence on Forest Resources: Many rural communities in Madagascar rely directly on forests for their livelihoods, including food, medicine, and raw materials. Deforestation limits access to these resources, threatening food security and economic stability.
That is one of the reasons why we plant trees in Madagascar. We plant mangroves near Baie de Baly National Park.
By securing seed sources and forming local teams, we can begin restoring thousands of hectares from the nearly 4 million hectares lost between 2001 and 2021.
The social impact reforestation holds is significant:
Ecotourism Potential: Madagascar's unique biodiversity makes it a prime location for ecotourism. By restoring forests, the country can attract more tourists interested in wildlife and nature, providing an alternative and sustainable source of income for local communities.
Habitat Restoration: Reforestation efforts help restore habitats for endemic species, including lemurs and other wildlife. Healthy ecosystems support biodiversity, which in turn supports ecosystem services that local communities rely on, such as pollination and natural pest control.
Reforestation in Madagascar provides numerous benefits, including improved livelihoods, enhanced environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. These efforts support sustainable development and ensure a better quality of life for the Malagasy people while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources for future generations.
https://blog.aspinallfoundation.org/madagascar-reversing-decades-of-destruction
https://wildsafariguide.com/listing/baie-de-baly-national-park/
