Around Lac Tseny in northern Madagascar, a powerful example of community-driven conservation is taking shape. On February 18, 2026, the 2025–2026 reforestation campaign was officially launched in Tsaratanana I, building on weekly tree-planting efforts that began in December 2025 and were carried out by the four local community-based organizations (VOIs).

Thanks to this inclusive approach, 9.5 hectares of degraded land have now been restored with 9,750 young trees, including 3.5 hectares and 3,500 seedlings planted during the launch day itself. The campaign brought together around 400 participants, from local authorities and traditional leaders to women’s groups, youth networks, fishers, and school children. Complementary awareness efforts via radio and traditional communication channels helped reinforce a shared commitment to protecting the lake’s watershed and vital natural resources.

This initiative is facilitated by Madagasikara Voakajy as part of a broader project funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) aimed at reducing Lake Tseny’s vulnerability to climate change and restoring ecosystem integrity. What stands out in this work is its grounding in local leadership and knowledge, communities are not just participants but stewards of restoration and natural resource management.

The progress at Lake Tseny shows that collective action rooted in community priorities can make tangible contributions to ecosystem health while strengthening social cohesion. As landscapes around the world face mounting pressures, there is much to learn from locally led models that advance both conservation and community resilience.