Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the planet's most important biodiversity hotspots, home to unique species, 90% of which exist nowhere else in the world. Yet deforestation, soil degradation, and shifting cultivation cycles are depleting natural resources and pushing cropland expansion into forested areas. In the remote Mahavelona Valley of northeastern Madagascar—next to the world-famous Masoala National Park—local communities face limited access to land, markets, and essential public services. As a result, it is particularly difficult for younger generations to secure their livelihoods. 

Through The Full Circle Initiative, we work with our local partner, the Laboratoire de Recherches Appliquées of the Forestry and Environment Department at the University of Antananarivo, to take a systemic approach to these challenges. This includes strengthening land governance and diversifying agricultural and non-agricultural revenue streams. It also involves developing nature-positive value chains such as silk production and improving digital connectivity to stimulate the regional economy.  

Currently, the work in the region focuses on co-design, knowledge and engagement, monitoring, regenerative agriculture, nature-positive value chains, alternative jobs for youth, and digital accessibility.