The United States congratulates Madagascar on the launch of today’s tree-planting campaign in Ankazobe. The United States Embassy is proud to partner with the government and people of Madagascar on environmental conservation activities aimed at protecting the island’s spectacular biodiversity and natural resources.
The Government of the United States of America, through its Agency for International Development (USAID), is currently investing over $57 million through a variety of different projects to help Madagascar protect its unique biodiversity and forests. USAID, along with the U.S. Forest Service, are working with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development to implement the National Reforestation and Restoration strategies, as well as their National Mangrove Conservation strategy.
Since 2018, Tetratech, a U.S. company funded by USAID, has been implementing the five-year Mikajy project in MamaBay and Menabe focused on good governance, forest conservation and community based management of natural resources.
Mikajy will work with local communities and civil society to plant 1 million trees, and build 450 ha of forest bridges to maintain connectivity between 450,000 ha of forest blocks. Mikajy will also support regional forestation efforts to restore a further 550 ha and plant half a million more trees. The project will also build the capacity of communities so they can continue to restore forests during and after the life of the project.
Our Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) are engaged in a variety of “green” initiatives and promoted environmental education and conservation by managing tree nurseries, tree planting initiatives, and recycling plastic bottles for container gardening and drip irrigation. Last year in Alaotra Mangoro, PCVs organized a tree planting bicycle ride, planting over 2,500 tree across 12 PCV community sites using specific tree species that improve the soil fertility and protect the top soil from erosion.
Through awareness raising activities, continued maintenance, and the promotion of sustainable practices, we are committed to working together with the government and people of Madagascar to turn the Red Island green – today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.