Sustainable management of the Makira Forest requires changes in the practices of local subsistence farmers. SEPALIM teaches farmers silk rearing and sustainable production techniques that bolsters family income by 60-200% and restores habitat. It trains local artisans to transform cocoons into unique cocoon silk textiles. Pupae are removed from the cocoons and pupae protected until their maturity. Hence, our silk production is no-kill and sustainable and these textiles are called "peace silk".
Madagascar faces an environmental and economic crisis. Its own people, to support livelihoods in remote areas, are destroying the country's unique biological heritage. Compensatory subsidies, previously used to dissuade farmers from encroaching on protected areas are not sustainable and stifle farmer independence. We seek to extend a proven, locally implemented, methods of wild silk production and give 300+ families living near the Makira Protected Area access to profitable markets.
The project maintains a cocoon market for farmers in 3 different areas of Madagascar. Other nonprofits have implemented production programs in other parts of Madagascar but leave without developing the markets needed to sustain farmers over the long term. CPALI and our local partner SEPALI Madagascar have not only taught farmers new ways to farm an endemic resource, but they have designed new ways to transform those resources into a unique, marketable product.
Economic uplift for subsistence farmers, their families, and communities during a difficult period in the history of Madagascar and in the survival of critically endangered wildlife.
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