Bicycles for 6 Women Saving Baobabs in Madagascar

Dear Donors,

We have received a mid-year report from our 6 women rangers in Madagascar, and we wanted to share the exciting work they’ve been doing with you! Thanks to your help purchasing bicycles, the rangers have been able to double their impact and more effectively prevent harm to the trees. 

Strengthened Impacts and Sustainable Livelihoods

We are happy to share that in 2025, there have been no fire incidents or vandalisms! This means that each baobab has the best chance possible of growing, flourishing, and providing invaluable services to its ecosystem. 

As of the end of May, the rangers patrolled a total of 422 hours and 344 kilometers in 2025. This would not have been possible without bicycles, which have given them indispensable freedom of movement. 

Additionally, part of the project is to create a nursery to sell baobab seedlings to tourists and also to reforest the surrounding area. This year, our partners in Madagascar generated meaningful income for the nursery workers by selling seedlings, and have restored 10 hectares of land (24 acres) with community support. 

Community Involvement

Involving the community is a powerful part of this project. When community members have a part in reforestation efforts, they strengthen connections to the project and gain a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment. We also value input and decisions made by community members because this project most directly influences and is influenced by their lives, so in order to make this work as equitable, effective, and long-lasting as possible, it is essential that they have an equal voice in carrying out this project.

Another dimension of community involvement is the environmental education which the rangers provide to community members and to tourists visiting the park. This year they have held 51 trainings on topics like the importance of reforestation and of fire safety, creating a further sense of responsibility and awareness about the environment.

Next Steps

Looking to the future, we want to continue supporting the excellent and unique work these women are doing to strengthen both their communities and their environment. We are searching for funding to continue to expand this program to protect the ancient and awe-inspiring baobabs, reforest more land, and provide training to our existing rangers to help them more effectively reach their audiences. We are asking for your help in this — please consider donating to this project and sharing this news with your family and friends.

We could not have done this amazing work without you, and look forward to working together towards a sustainable future for all. 

With deepest appreciation,

The Women for Conservation Team

p.s. Please enjoy these photos of our heroic rangers working together to save the baobabs!