Unite Lift Services Ltd

Madagascar is a land of unparalleled biodiversity, boasting an array of endemic plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Lying off the southeastern coast of Africa, it is the world's fourth largest island. Madagascar is a megadiverse country with a range of ecosystems home to approximately 12,000 species of vascular plants.

Over 80% of Madagascar's original forests have been lost, severely impacting ecosystems and endemic wildlife like lemurs and sifakas. Degradation of the mangrove ecosystem along the Mariarano Estuary has left coastal communities vulnerable to storms and cyclones. In Dabolava, the biggest threat to the survival of trees are bushfires, often exacerbated by ‘slash and burn” agriculture.

The planting season for forest species runs from December to May during the rainy season, while mangroves are planted from November to May. During community planting days, the team plants a  blend of pioneer species and fast-growing (non-invasive) varieties to create shade, fostering an environment conducive to attracting diverse biodiversity, including insects, birds, and more. Secondly, this  enhances soil fertility, thereby ensuring a higher survival rate for saplings of native species.

The establishment of 14 km of firewalls around the reforestation zones helps to reduce the risk of wildfires and improve habitat stability, while the planting of mangroves plays a vital role in restoring degraded coastal habitats, enhancing shoreline protection against storm surges and saltwater intrusion. These efforts also contribute to the conservation of threatened and endemic species, such as the mongoose, red ruffed lemurs, and the Crowned Sifaka. Beyond ecological gains, the project actively engages local communities, providing technical and financial support to promote sustainable livelihoods.