Mangrove forest restoration in Vilamatsa

Positive impact generated

Context

The community of Vilamatsa, located near Cape Saint-André, has experienced a severe loss of mangroves due to charcoal production and logging. The area was in urgent need of restoration efforts.

The western coast of Madagascar is home to ecologically important mangrove forests that provide coastal protection, wildlife habitat, and resources for local communities. In Vilamatsa, the expansion of charcoal production and intensive use of firewood for cooking and construction have caused rapid ecosystem degradation. The consequences include erosion, biodiversity loss, and a reduction in livelihood resources for local populations. Inspired by the success of the project in the nearby Mahabana estuary, the Vilamatsa community requested to join reforestation initiatives to reverse the destruction.

Gallery

Riforestazione Mangrovie Madagascar Vilamatsa 1 3x

Riforestazione Mangrovie Madagascar Vilamatsa 2 3x

Riforestazione Mangrovie Madagascar Vilamatsa 3 3x

Riforestazione Mangrovie Madagascar Vilamatsa 4 3x

Riforestazione Mangrovie Madagascar Vilamatsa 5 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The project is carried out in collaboration with Eden Reforestation Projects and the local community of Vilamatsa, which actively participates in planting and managing the mangroves. Direct involvement of the community is essential to ensure long-term sustainability: residents receive training and stable employment, improving their livelihoods and strengthening their connection to the territory. International sponsors provide financial support for the initiative, while local authorities offer administrative and political backing. The combination of technical resources, economic support, and community engagement makes the project a model of integrated conservation and development.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The project aims to restore and protect the mangrove forests of Vilamatsa, creating local employment, safeguarding biodiversity, and strengthening the resilience of the coastal community.

The main objectives include reforesting mangroves by planting native species; ensuring the long-term protection of coastal ecosystems; creating stable and dignified jobs for the residents of Vilamatsa; improving food security and local economic opportunities; conserving marine and terrestrial biodiversity that depends on mangroves; and mitigating climate change through CO₂ absorption by the trees. The project also aims to strengthen social cohesion and pass on sustainable skills to future generations.

The project takes a participatory approach: the local community, supported by Eden Reforestation Projects, plants and manages millions of mangrove trees, including Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. Plantings are carried out on communal land around the village, using traditional methods combined with modern sustainable management practices. The direct involvement of residents ensures long-term maintenance and provides immediate economic benefits. In parallel, monitoring and awareness activities are implemented to ensure that the reforestation contributes not only to ecological resilience but also to the social prosperity of the community.