Co-designing knowledge for environmental justice in Masoala

Local agent Juldo Belalahy at the Mahalevona community center teaches farmer Juliano Razafindrabaka how to research poultry diseases on the internet.
Local agent Juldo Belalahy at the Mahalevona community center teaches farmer Juliano Razafindrabaka how to research poultry diseases on the internet. / Author: rainf RANAIVOSON

Co-designing knowledge for environmental justice in Masoala

  • Our Objective

    This project brings together local communities, authorities, and research partners to support the sustainable transformation of Madagascar’s Mahalevona Valley. It strengthens local agency through environmental education, digital access, and participatory research—facilitating shared knowledge, inclusive decision-making, and long-term resilience.

  • Figures

    The project was launched on March 17, 2022 and is currently in progress.

Summary

In Madagascar’s Mahalevona Valley, a shift is underway—from top-down development to community-led action rooted in knowledge, participation, and local agency. In village centers, young people access environmental education and digital literacy trainings. These hubs also serve the wider community: one woman, eager to learn knitting, worked with a local facilitator to find online tutorials and now creates handmade goods for her household. More broadly, communities benefit from a growing digital library that keeps traditional knowledge alive and applicable in daily life.

These efforts take place in a region where economic and environmental pressures are deeply intertwined. By centering participation and shared learning, the project helps communities build the knowledge and agency needed to shape more just and sustainable futures.

Project Connections

Timeline

  • Gaining Momentum in Madagascar

    Project Update April 7, 2024

    Our Coalition for Change is gaining momentum in Madagascar. Over the past year, the Wyss Academy has been working diligently on co-designing our Solutionscape, bringing together key stakeholders and hosting several events focused on establishing a shared vision for the Mahalevona Valley.  This region comprises five villages: Ankovana, Fizono, Antanambao, Mahalevona, and Masindrano. Through meetings and workshops, diverse groups of stakeholders and local partners have utilized scientific evidence and valuable local knowledge to explore pathways for transformation and share ideas on addressing current social and environmental challenges.  Madagascar is renowned as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, yet it is threatened by deforestation. Despite challenges, the collective efforts of stakeholders represent a promising step towards sustainable development in the Mahalevona Valley.  Our local network and efforts for positive change continue to grow, with village visions gaining endorsement from local authorities. At the same time, collaborations with partners are thriving, and new valuable research contributions are being made on topics such as deforestation agents, soil values, basic incomes for conservation, and transformation pathways. 

    Maroansetra National Park, in Mahalevona Valley, Madagascar

  • Beyond education, stakeholder collaboration is key

    Project Update March 17, 2022

    Community Center, Mirohy, Madagascar

Team

  • Project contact

    Dr. Ntsiva Andriatsitohaina
    Associated Senior Researcher

    Portrait of Ntsiva
    Project contact

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