Fikambanan’ny Terak’i Manambolo (FITEMA, Association of Manambolo Natives) has used the reintroduction of an indigenous land use system to help conserve forests and wetlands in the 7,500-hectare Manambolo Valley – a forest corridor which joins the Andringitra and Ranomafana National Parks – while improving food security for local communities. The valley's forests are home to a high number of endemic species and also provide critical ecosystem services to around 200,000 residents of five neighbouring districts, including timber and non-timber forest products, water regulation, and watershed protection.

The organization works on forest restoration through the establishment of nurseries with local tree species, including the native Ravenea madagascariensis palm. The group has also constructed irrigation infrastructure and is guided in its work by a commitment to the full participation of its target communities.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2002

Founded: 1993

Location: Manambolo Valley, Madagascar

Beneficiaries: 12 communities; 1,300 households

Biodiversity: 7,500-ha forest corridor

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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