2023 Whitley Award winner, Mamy and his team at Planet Madagascar are dedicated to finding grassroots solutions to protect their homeland’s forests and unique biodiversity. Building on previous work, they will bolster local capacity to protect the forest through ongoing patrols and maintenance of fire breaks – gaps in vegetation that act as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of forest fires.
The team will also support women from the communities around the park with alternative livelihoods through a cooperative focussed on processing citrus and sugar products, reducing poverty while alleviating pressure on the forest. Lastly, Mamy and his team will grow their reach, running educational programmes, stakeholder meetings and radio broadcasts across 10 communities on the impact of fires on biodiversity, forests and people.
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