The Ala Hiriky–Mandrare project is an ambitious conservation initiative implemented in the Anosy and Androy regions. This ambitious project, funded by the Danish Hempel Foundation and managed financially by FAPBM, forms part of a landscape-level approach aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of one of Madagascar’s last remaining bastions of thorny forests, whilst sustainably improving the living conditions of local communities.
Led by a consortium of national and international organisations, this project is part of an ambitious vision: to preserve the ecological integrity of this unique ecosystem, whilst sustainably improving the living conditions of local communities. As well as helping to conserve biodiversity in the Global South, it also plays an important role in safeguarding the cultural identity and livelihoods of local communities, particularly through the conservation of essential resources such as water, pastureland, timber for construction and firewood, amongst others.
An exceptional landscape at the heart of conservation efforts
The Ala Hiriky-Mandrare landscape covers nearly 246,915 hectares in its first phase, comprising six key protected areas: Behara-Tranomaro, South-West Ifotaka, North-West Ifotaka, Angavo, Ankodida and Vohidava-Betsimilaho. These areas are home to remarkable biodiversity, including 279 threatened species – several of which are critically endangered – and iconic species such as the sifaka and the radiated tortoise.
In addition to their ecological riches, these areas are also at the heart of local communities, involving 81 fokontany and nearly 500,000 people who depend directly on natural resources for their daily livelihoods.
An integrated and phased approach
The project is based on a landscape-level approach structured in several phases, ranging from building local capacity to establishing sustainable governance and funding mechanisms. From the outset, the focus is on establishing a consortium of local NGOs, strengthening capacity for the management of protected areas, and identifying areas of high ecological and cultural value.
Ultimately, the aim of this project is to establish a community-based conservation model, in which both managers and local communities play a central role in the sustainable management of natural resources, whilst benefiting from economic alternatives.
A multi-stakeholder partnership working towards impact
The project’s implementation is based on a broad partnership involving, in particular, the Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), Madagascar National Parks (MNP), Tropical Biodiversity & Social Enterprise (TBSE) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), alongside national and regional authorities.
The Hempel Foundation, which is committed to protecting biodiversity on an international scale, is also providing financial support for this initiative, whilst backing nature-based solutions aimed at restoring ecosystems and improving livelihoods.
FAPBM plays a central role as a mechanism for the sustainable financing of protected areas in Madagascar. It helps to secure long-term resources for the management of protected areas, whilst supporting concrete actions for conservation, restoration and community support.
Towards a sustainable model for southern Madagascar
Through the Ala Hiriky-Mandrare project, the partners aim to lay the foundations for a replicable model of sustainable landscape management, balancing ecosystem protection, the promotion of local knowledge and inclusive economic development.
This project therefore represents a concrete response to the environmental and social challenges facing southern Madagascar, demonstrating that biodiversity conservation can be a driver of resilience and opportunities for local communities.
Amount managed : DKK 11,000,000 (USD 1,596,517)
Period : 2025 – 2027
