MITSINJO is currently in charge of the management of both Analamazaotra and Torotorofotsy. Situated in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, all our conservation activities focus on priorities set by national environmental policy. These are part of the “Durban Vison” (i.e. the tripling of the protected areas in Madagascar) and include far-sighted projects such as capacity building of local communities as well as the integration of forest restoration and carbon sequestration.
Conservation sensu stricto
MITSINJO runs ecological monitoring of endangered lemur species, with special focus on Babakoto (Indri indri) in the Forest Station and Greater Bamboo Lemur (Prolemur simus) at Torotorofotsy. A management plan for the latter species is currently being drafted.
MITSINJO views the protection of the Torotorofotsy wetlands and their surrounding forests as one of its most important activities. Threats from irrational use of natural resources as well as from effects of large-scale mining are the major threats to that unique habitat whose management is regulated by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands.
MITSINJO manages several tree nurseries with an annual production capacity of more than 100,000 seedlings of more than 100 endemic tree species and thus probably the most diverse in all of Madagascar. A forest restoration and carbon sequestration scheme oriented at the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol aims at the restoration of natural rainforest between larger forest fragments of the area while addressing sustainable livelihood issues of the local population.
Activities linked to conservation
MITSINJO also focuses on agriculture and health, since conservation cannot be successful without increasing the capacities of the local population and improving their livelihoods.
Agricultural support includes trainings on sustainable techniques such as improved rice culture, home gardens, agroforestry and bee-keeping, among others. Adoption of these techniques is hoped to reduce and subsequently halt slash-and-burn. Suitable seeds and agricultural materials for the people adopting these techniques are distributed.
Health support involves raising awareness on issues of reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS and family planning. Other health problems such as malaria and diarrhea are dealt with via the subsidized distribution of mosquito nets and water purification kits, respectively.
Local handicraft is encouraged. Villagers are trained in order to improve the quality of locally produced items that are then sold via the association’s handicraft shop.
