In Mangabe, eastern Madagascar, the forest is slowly beginning to breathe again. For years, fires and slash-and-burn activities destroyed large parts of this protected area, despite its importance for biodiversity. This forest is home to unique species, including several endemic lemurs, frogs, butterflies, birds, and plants found only in Madagascar.

Hélène Razanamanana has lived in Mangabe her entire life. A mother of eight, she has watched the forest change over the years. “Before, every dry season brought fear. The fires always came back,” she says. Today, she sees a difference. The hills burn less often. Community patrol teams regularly go out with conservation staff to monitor the forest. Many times, they return without finding new slash-and-burn areas. “That was impossible before,” she explains.

The results show this positive change. According to data from Global Forest Watch, primary forest loss in Mangabe has decreased significantly over the last two years. In 2023, more than 2,659 hectares of forest were lost. In 2024, this number dropped to 1,223 hectares. In 2025, forest loss decreased even further, reaching only 314 hectares. Fire alerts also declined significantly.

These improvements are the result of collective efforts. Local communities, regional and local authorities, and the teams of Madagasikara Voakajy are working together to protect the Mangabe Protected Area. Awareness activities, community patrols, and local engagement all play a key role.

In Mangabe, protecting the forest is not only about saving trees. It is also about protecting livelihoods, biodiversity, and the future of the next generations.