Regenerating Rainforests in Madagascar

Our Malagasy affiliate, FAMI-HIH, was recently incorporated and is continuing its positive impact alongside local communities in the Manombo Rainforest. This ecologically rich area is being transformed by community-designed solutions and initiatives that link access to health care, food security, and climate resilience with rainforest conservation. 

The Manombo Rainforest represents one of the last coastal lowland evergreen forests in southeastern Madagascar, and is known for its high biodiversity, including endemic species like the white-collared lemur. 

Recent HIH research confirmed Manombo’s remarkably rich ecosystem, which hosts over 100 species of vertebrates, many of which are endemic and threatened. Using eco-acoustics and Environmental DNA (eDNA), the monitoring initiative confirmed the presence of 50 species from sound recordings and 113 species from water samples. 

Crucially, the data revealed that primates there are highly endangered, including the critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) and the Manombo sportive lemur (Lepilemur jamesorum), which are endemic to this rainforest. These detections provide essential information for local communities to map out vital habitats for strategic conservation and reforestation efforts.

Local communities, our partners, and you, our supporters, are united by the same objective: enable integrated, community-driven models to protect forests, strengthen resilience to climate and economic shocks, and support sustainable livelihoods. More than ever, rainforest communities need your financial support to continue what they do best: protect the ecosystems that preserve our planet.

Thank you for standing with us.

Thank you for standing with rainforest communities and investing in their interconnected planetary health solutions. 

In Madagascar, planetary health takes shape through efforts not just to restore forests, but to actively protect them - especially during the dry season from May to October, when fire poses a serious threat to forest ecosystems and the communities who depend on them. Your support makes this protection possible.

As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and combat these forest fires – and protect both the rainforest and the communities who depend on it – Health In Harmony (HIH) Madagascar recently took another meaningful step forward by organizing a specialized fire prevention training course. Working with a professional trainer, around 40 participants, including local community members and HIH staff, gained vital skills in fire prevention, detection, and response. Trainees also received first aid training for emergency response in the case of fire. The training also included first aid instruction to equip participants with the tools to respond safely and effectively during emergencies. 

But it doesn't stop there. HIH is also strengthening its collaboration with the local authorities, particularly the Direction Régionale de l'Environnement et du Développement Durable (DREDD). A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding marks a renewed, shared commitment to sustainable conservation.

Building on this momentum, HIH and the DREDD joined forces to organize an official visit by the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, along with a national news segment by TVM highlighting the fire prevention training. These high-level visits signal growing recognition of the vital forest protection work HIH Madagascar is supporting and underscore the ecological importance of the Manombo Special Reserve. 

Deepening this collaboration with public authorities and local rainforest communities illustrates HIH’s integrated approach: linking the health of humans to that of ecosystems, through solidarity, mutual respect, and concrete action. Thank you for taking that action.  Your support makes it possible for rainforest communities to lead in protecting their ecosystems and improving health outcomes. 

Links:

• Read more about HIH's work in Madagascar