Help Farmers Rear Silk Moths to Restore Forests

WOMEN'S PROGRAM UP AND RUNNING!
Mamy, Lalaina and Cecile recently returned from Ambalamahago where they are working to organize a women's basket weaving group.  Just before larvae spin cocoons, farmers place them into "spinning baskets"  to protect them from predators.  The women of the village of Ambalamahago are known for their weaving ability and supply many of the baskets sold in the Maroantsetra market.  Lalaina and Cecile's goal was to introduce the women to the new baskets designed by Denis and Mamy especially for larvae. Their hope is that by organizing local women to make spinning baskets (and earn added income), silk worm rearing activities will be encouraged.  Groups working together to make the needed baskets may become the precursor groups to those who choose to make  textiles and paper. Finally, perhaps the most exciting aspect of  Lalaina and Cecile's project  is its focus on women.  CPALI has not yet implemented activities specifically for women despite the fact that women have a significant effect on the MPA albeit different than that of the men. As can be seen in the picture to the right, at least initially, women's activities need to be village based due to the many children that tie women to their homes.

CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE
Its not to late to order the BEST CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD for your spring and summer celebrations (and give a nod to CPALI!). Madécasse makes chocolate in Madagascar and was recently named One of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World by Fast Company Magazine. Organized by two former Peace Corp volunteers, Tim McCollum and Bret Beach, Madécasse invests in small scale,cocoa farmers in Northwestern Madagascar. Tim and Brett not only provide a market for cocoa, but teach the farmers how to process the cocoa and hence earn greater returns. While 70% of the world's cocoa comes from Africa, less than 1% is made there -Tim and Bret's innovations help fight poverty in this tiny corner of the world, and now they are helping CPALI.

Visit the Madécasse website ( http://store.madecasse.com/). And before you place your order, write "cpali" (no caps) in the coupon code/promotional code box. 20% of all chocolate profits will be contributed to CPALI to help us expand our work with silk farmers in Madagascar.

Links:

• Chocolate from Madagascar benefits CPALI