What

Ny Tanintsika is implementing a conservation and development project which aims to increase the economic standing of secondary forest products. This includes the promotion of modern bee-keeping as an alternative to wild honey hunting, and improvements to local handicrafts using non-endangered species. In addition, this project aims to promote ecotourism through the capacity-building of local community-based tourism initiatives. This project is carried out in collaboration with APMM (Association des Populations des Montagnes du Monde) and with the co-financing of NODE (CI / ERI-USAID) and AFD (Agence Français de Développement) / FFEM (Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial). Ny Tanintsika is also the fund manager for 'Sub-NODE' (Conservation International funding) which enables us to support mini projects of local associations bordering the rainforest in the regions of Vatovavy Fitovinany and Atsimo Atsinanana. The objective is the promotion of community development activities which increase the economic value of natural resource management and conservation.

Why

The rainforest ‘corridor’ links the national parks of Ranomafana and Andringitra and is of vital importance due to its rich biodiversity and its important socio-economic role. Conservation concerns prohibit income-generating activities that endanger the forest’s flora and fauna. Extra costs incurred by the prohibition of these activities are greatly felt by the bordering communities and as such the development of alternative sources of income is essential.

Ambohimahamasina is situated in a critical part of the rainforest corridor. The extension of agricultural zones to the west and the practice of shifting cultivation to the east are threatening the corridor’s function as a genetic bridge. Ecotourism activities promoted by the project offer an alternative to these agricultural practices.

Various natural resources in the region are severely over-exploited by the local population, in particular the endangered Pandanus species and wild honey. However their continued use and exploitation has become essential to the survival of households in over a dozen villages during the 'hungry season'. The project promotes modern bee-keeping, as an alternative to wild honey hunting, and alternative materials to Pandanus for use in basket work, whilst also encouraging the replantation and sustainable management of Pandanus. The project provides the assistance needed to ensure that livelihoods in the region become sustainable.

Results

This project, carried out between April 2006 and September 2007, was a huge success. Here are some of the results : four field agents were trained who in turn trained 50 beekeepers in modern bee-keeping methods and construction of modern beehives. Each beekeeper received a modern beehive and a sufficient quantity of wooden planks to construct an additional 4 beehives. By the end of December 2006, 300 hives were completed and the first honey production began. The beekeepers formed an association called “MAMISOA” and have been busy with the reforestation of flowering trees to attract bees.

A new ecotourism trail was developed in the rainforest of Ambohimahamasina and two campsites.

55 women were trained in modern methods of wicker work and in the creation of new products, using new reeds as an alternative to Pandanus. The women basket makers took part in an exchange visit in Ambositra in November 2006, and in numerous fairs since. As a result the women have made some good contacts and met many potential clients. The women formed their own association “SOAMIRAY” and have begun to work independently from Ny Tanintsika with other craft groups and now sell their products through craft boutiques in Fianarantsoa and a fair trade organisation which sells to customers worldwide. The women are making real progress and developing their business.

Ny Tanintsika/Feedback Madagascar continue to work to ensure the capacity-building of SOAMIRAY and MAMISOA, to ensure their independence and professionalism.

Alternative gift ideas: visit our sustainable products page to find out how you could help our wicker workers.

Through the SubNode programme, we have so far been able to fund 18 projects submitted and implemented by villager associations and forest management groups (9 in the Sud-Est region and 9 in the region of Vatovavy Fitovinany). These are all projects which aim to promote the conservation of the remaining rainforest ‘corridor’ through community development, and particularly the development of different income-generating activities and reforestation. These projects also contribute to local capacity-building, promoting better management of community associations.