A monitoring mission by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) to Lake Tseny has reaffirmed the importance of investing in locally led conservation to address the impacts of climate change. Conducted from 1–3 July, the visit brought together representatives from CEPF, IUCN Madagascar, SAF/FJKM, ACT and Madagasikara Voakajy (MV) to assess the progress of the project Reducing the Vulnerability of Lake Tseny to Climate Change.

The mission provided an opportunity to review activities implemented across the four community management associations (VOIs) surrounding the lake. Guided by local communities and the MV field team, the delegation visited restoration sites where active and passive restoration approaches are being applied to improve degraded habitats and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

The team also visited a community nursery producing native tree species alongside agroforestry seedlings that support both ecological restoration and climate-resilient agriculture. These initiatives contribute to restoring the landscape while providing communities with sustainable alternatives that reduce pressure on natural resources.

One of the most significant moments of the visit was the direct dialogue between CEPF representatives and local communities. Community members shared their experiences in implementing restoration activities, monitoring ecological recovery and tracking the phenology of restored sites. Their presentations demonstrated not only the technical progress achieved but also the growing ownership of conservation actions by local people.

The mission also highlighted the project's contribution to strengthening local livelihoods. Representatives visited Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) established in villages around Lake Tseny and attended one of their weekly meetings. The discussions illustrated how community savings groups are helping households improve financial security while supporting long-term resilience to climate change.

Particular attention was given to the active participation of women within these groups. Their leadership in financial management, household resilience and community development reflects the important role women play in building sustainable livelihoods alongside environmental conservation.

For CEPF, the field visit offered tangible evidence of the project's progress and the effectiveness of community-centred conservation. For MV and its partners, it reinforced the value of collaboration, local leadership and continuous engagement with communities to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.

As climate change continues to threaten Madagascar's freshwater ecosystems, partnerships that combine technical expertise, local knowledge and long-term investment remain essential. Through the continued support of CEPF, communities around Lake Tseny are not only restoring ecosystems but also building a more resilient future for both people and nature.