Malagasy Community Reforestation Institute

Loss of forest is creating a drought in S. Madagascar that threatens the lives of 250,000 Malagasy children (see link in Project Resources) and the loss of unique biological diversity. Unfortunately, in SW Madagascar, deforestation to make charcoal is one of the few ways to earn a living and is why creating a Reforestation Institute to educate people about planting food, medicinal and other valuable trees is the primary focus of our initiative.

FIMPAHARA is an acronym which means, 'the association that plants trees' and is the name of our Malagasy counterpart. After learning about New Latitudes project interests, we were invited to create a nursery and nationally recognized forest sanctuary adjacent to their village. Because they are 100% dependent on their forest resources they are extremely interested in long term protection and innovate was of expanding the nursery and forest sanctuary.

Outreach and education programs are primarily based on planting multi-purpose native tree species. This native species of Jatropha can grow 20x in 3 months and can be used for everything from producing soap (for sanitation/to be sold on local markers) and biofules by pressing the seeds; to controlling erosion and providing shade for other seedling in the nursery. This is truly a miracle plant!

Abundances of vegetable are produced using novel composting/mulching and efficient drip irrigation methods. Surplus food is consumed locally (improving the local diet) and is sold at local markets, improving the economy and nutrition sources especially for women and children.