Protected Harmonious Landscape, Category V
Conservation International
314 186 ha
Fianarantsoa Province; Amoron’i Mania, Haute Matsiatra, Ihorombe, Fitovinany, and Vatovavy Regions; Ambositra, Lalangina, Ambohimasoa, Vohibato, Ambalavao, Ivohibe, Ikongo, Ifanadiana, and Mananjary Districts
Key Biodiversity Area, Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) site
The COFAV PA’s flora includes plant species that are typical of and widespread in evergreen rainforests. Among the plant species found on the site, 14 species are known only from Ambositra-Vondrozo and most of them are classified as critically endangered. The PA is also rich in amphibians, small mammals, bats and lemurs. However, no locally endemic species are known to date.
16 species
5 critically endangered (e.g., Black-and-white ruffed lemur, Greater bamboo lemur), 5 endangered (e.g., Aye-Aye), and 5 vulnerable
125 species
3 endangered (e.g., Madagascar grebe) and 7 vulnerable (e.g., Madagascar red owl)
38 species
2 endangered and 3 vulnerable
60 species
1 endangered and 4 vulnerable
15 species
5 species
3 vulnerable (e.g., fosa and Malagasy civet)
35 species
312 species
266 species endemic to Madagascar, including at least 2 endangered and 1 vulnerable species, and 14 locally endemic species, among which 7 are critically endangered and 1 is endangered
Dense humid evergreen forest of low and mid-altitude, mountain ericaceous scrub, rupicolous vegetation, shrubland and secondary forests, grasslands, and secondary pastures
Deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, bushfires, illegal mining, selective logging, hunting
The significant forest cover and the abundance of wetlands formed by water sources, rivers, lakes, and swamps make the PA a true “water tower.” They provide essential economic and environmental/ecological services, including the regulation of the water cycle in surrounding areas and the irrigation of rice fields, among others. Furthermore, the Ranomafana hydroelectric plant, which relies on the water reservoir of the natural forest corridor, holds tremendous economic importance for the former province of Fianarantsoa. The climate regulation role played by the PA also supports cash crops (e.g., coffee) in various localities, providing broader economic opportunities. The PA also hosts sites where ecotourism could be further developed, offering opportunities for income generation and financial independence for local communities and associations.
The local community, through the VOIs and community associations, is actively involved in the preservation of the PA: it acts as the “direct on-the-ground manager,” under the supervision of CI agents, and is also the primary beneficiary of the site’s valorization. These local management units or VOIs are the guardians of conservation, cultural and traditional values, and compliance with local management standards and responsibilities. They work closely with various stakeholders with and through the support of CI.
The financial support from the FAPBM to the COFAV protected area began in 2024. It ensures the implementation of conservation activities (ecological monitoring and restoration), the revitalization of ecotourism in existing sites with potential, and covers part of the salary and operational costs of the management unit.
