Seacology's Mt. Angavokely, Madagascar project

Mt. Angavokely is situated 22 kilometers east of the capital city of Antananarivo. It is one of the last remaining relicts of high-altitude rainforest in all of Madagascar, and is home to over 120 species of rare and endangered orchids. The forest is an important watershed for three local communities totaling over 20,000 inhabitants. In 1999 Seacology began working with the Malagasy environmental organization ARCVERT, faculty from the University of Antananarivo and Uppsala University, and the Service des Stations Forestières to establish a 695 hectare (1,717 acres) national park. The creation of this park will not only preserve one of the last remaining tracts of high-altitude forest left in Madagascar and protect over 120 species of rare and endangered orchids, it will also provide recreational opportunities to Antananarivo residents.

As of 2006, road improvement and rehabilitation of the "Eaux et Forêts" station offices have taken place, as well as removal of invasive pine trees and clearing of fire breaks. Two new rare endemic birds and 120 orchid species were discovered. Eight trails have been built, and 48 individuals from six surrounding villages have received tour guide training. Tour guides from Ambohijafy Village, located at the park entrance, are now the most involved with guiding activities. All six nearby villages have been trained to make alternative charcoal, and the project has now spread to several other villages up to 160 miles from Mt. Angavokely. Endangered orchids have been cultivated at Mt Angavokely and in local nurseries.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• seacology
• madagascar
• orchid
• orchids