Opportunities for Community Based Conservation in the Androy Region of Madagascar's Southern Spiny...

Opportunities for Community Based Conservation in Androy, Southern Madagascar

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Opportunities for Community Based Conservation in the

Androy Region of Madagascar's Southern Spiny Forest

Abstract

A series of studies in the Ifotaka area of Eastern Androy, southern Madagascar,

have identified a range of natural resource use practices and regional

characteristics that threaten the biodiversity of the Androy region as a whole.

Most damaging among these are Hatsake (the clearing of forest for maize

cultivation), uncontrolled grazing by mixed herds of livestock, and the

exploitation of trees for fuel and construction wood. It is argued that behind

these unsustainable practices, lies the most significant root cause of population

pressure and the necessity of resource provision for this increasing population.

With a human population growth rate of 3.33% annually, the solution to the

inherent unsustainable natural resource use must lie in a multifaceted approach

to conservation in the Androy region. It is asserted that to succeed this must

include: the reduction of the population growth rate through improving health

and education services; programmes encouraging the sustainable management

of remaining forests and protection of 'biodiversity priority areas'; initiatives to

encourage forest regeneration and to ensure adequate provision of natural

resources and agricultural products. This should be implemented in the context

of considering all of Androy as a conservation landscape, with conservation

and development agencies working together in a network with common goals.

This paper is intended to draw together the experience from research, education and

development activities as supported by the BP Conservation Programme. It will

stimulate debate and discussion on the future approaches for conservation in the

Androy region.

The paper is intended for free distribution for any non-profit purposes - please

produce copies as necessary.

Correspondence Address - Barry Ferguson, 60 Ballyrogan Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23

4ST, United Kingdom Email [email protected] Telephone - 00 44 (0) 2891 815566

Barry Ferguson Field Co-ordinator

Tandroy Conservation Trust

mailto:[email protected]


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1. Introduction to the Androy Region

The Androy region of central southern Madagascar, home to the Tandroy people (or

Antandroy), ranges from its western boundary in the Karimbola Plateau region (west

of the Menarandra River) to its eastern boundary on the western slopes of the

mountain range giving rise to the Mandrare and Mananara Rivers. The southern

boundary is with the Indian Ocean and the north of Androy has a boundary with the

lands of the Tanosy and Bara. Five major administrative centres (sub-prefectures)

exist in the region; Amboasary, Ambovombe, Tsiombe, Beloha and Bekily, the region

is served by two major routes (Route Nationale 10 & 13), these are dirt roads which

become periodically impassable during the wet season; with the exception of a section

between Fort Dauphin and Ambovombe the roads are not surfaced. There are

currently no scheduled flights in the region, although at least 7 airstrips exist.

As an ethnic group the Tandroy are cattle herders and hold traditional beliefs which

centre around their respect for ancestors and death and there is also a strong set of

cultural taboos. Christianity of both protestant and catholic denominations has

become highly significant in the region and cultural contrasts often exist between

practising Christians and those holding traditional beliefs. The Christian missions play

a significant role in education throughout the region, providing numerous primary and

secondary schools. Immigration by other Malagasy ethnic groups is also frequent,

particularly to urban centres and towns, often gendarmes, medical and teaching

personnel and sisal plantation workers will be of 'Non-Tandroy' origin. With rainfall

levels typically being low and unpredictable, the agriculture of the Tandroy people

relies on livestock (zebu (cattle), goats and sheep) and four major crops are cultivated;

Maize, Cassava, Sweet Potato and Beans.

Having an arid climate the region is characterised by a landscape of fragmented dry

forest commonly known as Spiny Forest and deforested 'savanna-like' terrain.

Biologically the region is extremely valuable, with levels of endemism, in both the

animal and plant kingdoms estimated in the region of 90%. The regions forests are

typically dominated by species of the Euphorbiaceae and Didiereaceae families and

have species assemblages specific to the region (WWF, 2001). Both the most

dominant tree species (Allaudia procera) and a species of Baobab (Adansonia za) are

on the IUCN list of threatened trees. The animal community includes such flagship

endangered species as The Radiated Tortoise (Geochelone radiata) and The

Ringtailed Lemur (Lemur catta) both of which are restricted to southern Madagascar

and are known to have fragmented populations.

The region has two formally protected areas (Andohahela National Park and Cap

Sainte Marie Special Reserve) and two private reserves (Berenty/Bealoka and

Kaleta/Amboasary Sud) both of which are on the western bank of the Mandrare River.

The unsustainable rate of use of the region's natural resources is a major threat to its

biodiversity and for this reason the spiny forest been made a conservation priority by

a number of international bodies, this is typified by the inclusion of the spiny forest

ecoregion on the 'WWF Global 200' list of endangered ecosystems.


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2. Context of Research and Conservation Work of Project Ifotaka

Project Ifotaka was established in 1998 as a conservation research expedition to Ifotaka in the

east of Androy. In 1999, 2000 & 2001 research teams and partner organisations investigated

a range of ecological and anthropological topics in the area including examinations of

resource management practices, traditional belief and medicinal plant use, rural Tandroy

demography and a range of biodiversity surveys. In the period 2000-2002 Project Ifotaka

teams also began initiating small-scale conservation education and resource management

programmes. In January 2002 the 'Tandroy Conservation Trust' was established as a UK

Charitable Foundation to carry on the work initiated by Project Ifotaka. Further information

on the projects of the Trust is available on the website (www.tandroyconservation.org.uk) or

by contacting the author.

Map One (above) - The

Geographical Location of

Madagascar.

Map Two (right) - Southeastern Madagascar.

http://www.tandroyconservation.org.uk/


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3. Practices Impacting on Biodiversity

Grazing Tandroy rural life centres on the herding of zebu, goats and sheep with herds often

grazing in forested and regenerating forest areas. Zebu are often seen as the

equivalent of a banking system for the rural Malagasy (Morrison, 2000 & Sussman et

al., 1994). Given the arid nature of Androy's climate and often poor seedling survival

rates, forest regeneration times are long; Parker-Pearson (nd) estimated that spiny

forest can take between 150 and 200 years to regenerate. Herds are typically looked

after by young boys and it has been observed that there may be little pattern or control

of grazing routes (Pinsky, 2001) as those engaged in herding often have the least

herding experience (Hotham & Razafindrahova, 2001), and the grazing pressure

causes significant damage to forest and regenerating forest. (Lellelid, pers. comm.,

Pinsky, 2001). Young plants may be eaten or even branches removed to feed

livestock; thus grazing can be shown to be a highly damaging activity, particularly

with herds of goats not necessarily being restricted from taboo areas where the best

remaining forest is often found (Pinsky, 2001).

With settlement patterns in forested areas being highly dispersed there is little forest

which is not impacted by grazing. However, access to water may be a restricting

factor, as it affords some degree of seasonal protection to forests from grazing

pressure. In addition, the frequent use of the exotic raketa (Prickly Pear Cactus,

Opuntia sp.) as fodder for herds and land demarcation also has an impact on native

vegetation, although it is known that cactus is nutritionally poor and is often a fodder

of necessity rather than choice (Pinsky, 2001). The threat posed by cattle rustling to

the security of herds has also been seen to be a major influence among the Mahafaly

(Sussman et al., 1994), with herders having shown reluctance to graze herds at great

distances from secure central settlements. The impact of both zebu and goat grazing

pressure, its current spatial patterns, and factors controlling these, may be a vital part

of any conservation planning and requires further investigation (Pinsky, 2001).

Plate Two - A herd

of Zebu (cattle)

returning from the

Mandrare River.

Water availability for

livestock is a highly

significant factor in

grazing patterns

(Pinsky, 2001).


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Cultivation of crops

The staple diet of the Tandroy is currently predominated by maize, manioc, sweet

potato and beans. Each of these crops is commonly cultivated throughout the region.

Rice, often cited as the 'Malagasy Staple Food' is cultivated but only in limited areas

in Androy due to the arid climate, much rice is imported into the region both from rice

growing areas of the island and from overseas. The significance of rice in the region is

increasing and for most rural settlements this centres on its ceremonial use (Hotham

& Razafindarhova, 2001), although it is still seen to be a 'vazaha1' food. Manioc

(Balahazo), sweet potato (Bageda) and beans (Tsara maso) are generally cultivated

on the more fertile river plain fields and it is surmised that their cultivation is much

less environmentally damaging than maize. For maize cultivation, fields are often

cleared from the forest in a process known as 'Hatsake' , where trees are felled and the

area subsequently burnt. It has regularly been observed in the Ifotaka and Tranomaro

regions that a limited amount of the useful wood previously growing in these areas

has been removed from the area prior to burning (pers. obs.; See Plate Two), large

tree trunks often being left to burn. This wasteful practice perhaps has potential to be

improved if Hatsake was to become a managed and regulated activity rather than

illegal or marginalised as it currently is.

Local people report that they are not granted permission to conduct 'Hatsake' by the

appropriate authorities (Dept des Eaux et Forets), and know that they may be fined for

unauthorised forest clearance. However at the same time they also remark that it is

through the necessity to feed their family that they carry out the procedure. It has

been both observed and reported that Mayors in certain areas are selling permission

for 'Hatsake' and construction wood removal, in Tranomaro (pers. obs.); and Behara

(Voriandro, 2001). Perhaps of most concern for the survival of the forest is not the

inevitable existence of the practice of 'Hatsake' but both its extent (and hence the rate

of forest destruction) and the lack of its management. If forest clearance was an issue

managed along with forest protection and regeneration at a larger scale then there is

an improved chance that the forests conservation needs could more closely reconcile

with Tandroy food provision needs.

1 'Vazaha' is the term used to refer to people not native to the area, it is used in reference to both 'white

skinned westerners' and to those from other Malagasy ethnic groups.

Plate Three - Hatsake

(clearing forest for maize cultivation) in

progress near the village of Bemanateza

in the Commune of Tranomaro, August

2001. During a journey between the

villages of Tranomaro and Mahabo at

least 7 patches of Hatsake were

observed during one day, three burning

patches were visited on the journey.

They were estimated to range in size

from the smallest of one hectare to the

largest which was in excess of 6

hectares. The frequency of burning was

reputed to be due to the attitude of the

Mayor of Tranomaro and his willingness

to sell permission to burn forest.


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Perception of Land Ownership and Land Management

The issue of land ownership and management in the eyes of rural populations is a

complex one, indeed its complexity may be the most significant obstacle to

sustainable resource use in the region. While the government land titling authority

(Domaines) may classify 'heritage' or land passed on through successive generations

of families, and thus transfer official ownership to these families, this is rarely

practised. This means that land remains officially under government ownership and

its management is the responsibility of the government agency (Ministere des Eaux et

Forets-MEF).

This ownership and management can rarely be enforced due to insufficient

government resources. With remaining forest areas often being remote and forest

guards rarely even visiting the forest, this means local people effectively manage the

land/forest. It has been observed that in remote settlements that land access is based

on a system of family ownership on cultivated land and for some grazed land

(Hotham & Razafindarahova, 2001), other land is seen to be common land,

particularly in sacred and burial areas.

While traditionally people have a respect for the forest (Hotham & Razafindrahova,

2001), and, where practised, a respect for the government forest management, the

grey area arises where government management is not or cannot be enforced

(DeCosse, 2001) so empowering (or leaving) local people to do as they see fit. Given

the lack of government resources for forest/land management, this suggests that the

most realistic course of action is the empowerment of local communities to

sustainably manage the land and its resources with assistance from external bodies to

implement and monitor this in a sustainable way. It must also be ensured that the issue

of enduring and adequate resource provision from the forest also remains possible.

Tandroy Hunting and wild food use

Plate Four - Discussing Forest Management Issues,

Bekiria, Ifotaka, November 2001.


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The rural Tandroy population has a notable reliance on the use of naturally occurring

food products from the forest. While the eating of a number of animals, including

Radiated Tortoise (Geochelone radiata), Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi),

Maki (Ring-tailed Lemur, Lemur catta) and Fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), remains

taboo, these taboos (locally known as fady) may be declining in significance in the

community. In the Ifotaka region it is clear that Tandroy people have a marked

dislike for the Fosa, due to the damage it causes to goat and sheep herds (Bartlett,

2000). On several occasions, a fosa tail on a pole has been observed at sites in the

forest where the animal had reportedly been slaughtered (pers. obs.) despite it

remaining a taboo animal and people often refer to the problems that fosa cause to

their young sheep and goats. Tandroy people in Beloha have are also known to sell

radiated tortoises to through traffic on the RN10 (pers. obs., 2000).

Four main animals are frequently used by the Tandroy in Ifotaka as food items: Kibu

(The Madagascar Buttonquail Turnix nigricolis), Sora/Tandraka (Lesser Hedgehog

Tenrec Echinops telfari & Greater Hedgehog Tenrec Setifer setosus) and Akanga

(Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris). The Kibu is often being sold as a snack

item a the weekly market, the hunting of the Guineafowl does not pose a significant

current concern for biodiversity conservation given its non endemic status. However

its population is thought to be under pressure from hunting (Morris and Hawkins,

1998) and should populations decline hunting of other species may become more

frequent. The Buttonquail (Kibu) is a species endemic to Madagascar although it is

not globally threatened. The hunting of the two tenrec species is potentially more

significant given their endemic status, however with relatively high levels of

fecundity their harvest may currently be sustainable, although this requires validation.

A number of other forest birds are reported to be hunted by the Tandroy, most

frequently reported are the Couas (Running Coua, Giant Coua and Crested Coua).

Non Tandroy people in the region have been observed to eat radiated tortoise

(Geochelone radiata) frequently, indeed, it has seen to be, on occasion, a focal point

of meetings of 'Non Tandroy' people2. This behaviour relies on the tolerance of the

Tandroy people to the 'fady's' (taboos) of other Malagasy ethnic groups. It seems that

rather than the 'fady' protecting their animals, it acts more as a rule preventing the

Tandroy themselves exploiting these animals. The hunting of sifakas (Propithecus

verreauxi verreauxi) has also been reported both for sport (Alison Richard, pers.

comm., 2000) and food provision. In more remote villages, often with few or no

'Non Tandroy' immigrants, the Tandroy people comment on the unapproved practice

of eating fady animals.

The use of wild plant foods is less diverse with one notably damaging practice

identified, Fengatse, a large root tuber that is typically removed from the forest whose

extraction from the ground may be damaging as other plants are occasionally dug up

in the process. Fengatse is sold at weekly markets and along the RN13 to passing

traffic. Although the exploitation of Fengatse may not currently be a major

biodiversity threat, it is relied on to some degree for food or income generation for

rural populations. Thus if continued exploitation is at an unsustainable rate the

2 In Ifotaka, there is a social group known simply as the 'Ifotaka Sociale' composed of non-Tandroy

members, primarily Teachers, Gendarmes and those who have immigrated into the area for marriage.


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practice could lead to a transfer of pressure onto other food sources in the future.

Riverbanks with remaining populations of Kily (Tamarindus indica) trees often

provide a significant food source often for children and during periods of drought for

other family members. Kily leaves also provide fodder for goats and cattle and

branches are often cut for this purpose. The exploitation of honey has been reported

to be highly damaging as trees are often felled to gain access to the hives, however it

has also been reported that beehive forests in central Androy receive local protection

similar to fady forests(Parker-Pearson, pers.comm.).

Provision of Construction and Fuel Wood

Studies in 1999 (Morrison, 2000), 2000 (Bartlett, 2001) and 2001 (Hotham &

Razafindrahova, 2001) have shown marked patterns in the use of specific species for

construction of houses in both remote and central settlements. Data on the four most

commonly used plants for fuel and construction is presented below in Table One with

data on the relative abundance for each of these seven species in a vegetation survey

in Mahavelo, Ifotaka in 1999 (Mahafety, Velomila & Volamanjaka 1999). Although

not necessarily representative of the region, the dataset, having only been collected

from Ifotaka, does serve as an illustration of patterns in construction and fuel wood

use.

From questioning and participatory observation with remote Tandroy people, it

appears that the choice of species used for construction wood is restricted to a small

number of species, due to both traditional practice, and the usefulness of the species

(eg Fantiolotse planks and Katrafay uprights). The choice of fuelwood is less

restricted, although certain species are notably avoided for fuelwood (such as

Fantiolotse) (Hotham & Razafindrahova, 2001). The nature of cooking fires also has

significance, 'more traditional families' having been seen to have multipurpose fires

burning almost constantly in the main dwelling house while 'less traditional families'

tend to have external shelters specifically for cooking where fires burn less frequently

(Hotham & Razafindrahova, 2001). The collection of firewood is predominantly for

deadwood, the wood often being a by-product of Hatsake (the clearing of forested

areas for maize cultivation).

One potential species threat from our data is to Katrafay (Cedrolopsis grevei) which,

being frequently used for both construction and fuelwood is also exploited for its

medicinal value. In rural areas the exploitation of Katrafay for medicinal purposes is

mainly for local use, while settlements along the Amboasary-Fort Dauphin stretch of

RN13 can be observed to have stocks of Katrafay bark for sale at the roadside daily.

A visit to Antanimora (August 2001) yielded more information on the exploitation of

Fantiolotse for construction. Bush taxis have been observed to carry quantities of

Fantiolotse planks from the Ambaliandro area (on RN13 between Ambovombe and

Antanimora) northwards to the settlements in unforested areas, namely Isoanala

(130Km) and Betroka (90Km) (pers obs) and a range of vehicles have been reported

to be transporting planks to Bekily (95Km north) (Premiere Adjoint Mayor

Antanimora, pers. comm., 2001). Planks are also on sale daily between Amboasary

and Andohahela on the RN13 and are transported to Fort Dauphin (up to 75Km

away). This is evidence of the forested areas of Androy receiving pressure from

people of unforested areas, particularly when there is the presence of transport


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infrastructure and services. On a smaller scale, residents of the village of Bekiria in

Ifotaka, complained of the extraction of Fantiolotse planks from their forests by the

population of Ambovombe (approximately 45Km to the south). Charcoal production

has often been cited as a major threat to the regions forests, in part due to its highly

visible sale along the Amboasary-Fort Dauphin stretch of the RN13 adjacent to the

sensitive and high profile forests of Andohahela National Park and Ankodida. It is

certain that the practice is a primary threat to certain areas close to major roads,

however it is important to consider the region at a landscape scale. In remote areas the

use of charcoal is relatively rare. In the Commune of Ifotaka for example, its use has

only been observed in the central village, by the richest families and currently only

one man (in the commune with a population of c17,000) is known to be occupied with

charcoal production. Given the proposal for road improvements in the region (WB

pers. comm.3) charcoal is likely to become a more significant threat in the future

especially given the increasing needs of growing urban centres.

In conclusion, the provision of fuel and construction wood is a major threat to the

forests of the Androy Region. With the increasing population and a combination of

other characteristics of the region (including the advancement of sand dunes reducing

the areas suitable for agriculture), this pressure is likely to increase in the future and

therefore should be a major consideration in any conservation action plan.

Table One

Four most commonly used tree species for fuel and

four most commonly used for construction purposes

in Amboetsy, Ifotaka, Eastern Androy (Data from Hotham and Razafindrahova, 2001; Mahafety, Velomila &

Volamanjaka 1999; Bartlett, 2001).

Pro

portio

n O

ccurren

ce 199

9

Su

rvey

Mah

avelo

In fo

ur m

ost co

mm

on

ly u

sed

fuel w

ood

s

In fo

ur m

ost co

mm

on

ly u

sed

Con

structio

n w

ood

s

Local Name Family Species

Hazobatango FABACEAE Indigofera sp 0.74 Yes No

Hazomena EUPHORBIACEAE Securinega capuronii 0.21 Yes No

Taolakafotra TILACEAE Grewia androyensis 0.84 Yes No

Katrafay MELIACEAE Cedrelopsis grevei 0.58 Yes Yes

Fantioloste DIDIERACEAE Allaudia procera 0.89 No Yes

Mendorave MIMOSACEAE Albizzia greviana 0.26 No Yes

Magnary FABACEAE Dalbergia trichocarpa 0.58 No Yes

3 Members of a Demographic Survey Team contracted by The World Bank, in Ifotaka October 2001

explained that the RN13 between Ambovombe and Ihosy is to be rehabilitated along with a number of

other improvements in the region.


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Beliefs, Religion, Taboos and Traditions in an changing society

The significance of belief systems among the Tandroy people and an emerging

dichotomy of traditional and Christian beliefs is thought to be a core theme for a

number of resource uses and cultural issues (Hotham & Razafindrahova, 2001).

Christian religion is followed throughout the region and is often an influential part of

the community with frequent provision of schools and church buildings. Christianity

is seen to neither specifically reduce nor widen resource use, however previously held

taboos may no longer be held with the presence of Christianity. This was

demonstrated in the Ifotaka region by unprompted reference to the fady or non fady

nature of two areas of forest. Tsimangovy, a catholic, and president of Mangily,

commented that the hilltop forests of Vohimiroro and Vohimary were not fady areas.

Fiodine, resident of Morafeno and Ombiasy, during a traditional healing ceremony

(Sabo), specifically referred to the same to areas as fady forests remarking that he and

his sons collected medicinal plants there.

This changing structure of beliefs is also believed to have an impact on the healthcare

of rural people, often when Christianity is followed consultations will not be held with

Ombiasy's while use of medicinal plants by less knowledgeable practitioners may

precede visits to doctors.

It is uncertain what influence the spread of Christianity has had and will have on the

system of cultural taboos regarding the protection of animal species such as tortoises

and lemurs. As previously mentioned, 'non Tandroy' people, often immigrants to the

area for work and marriage, can be seen to have begun the erosion of this value

Plate Five (left) A stack of Fantiolotse

planks in Ifotaka.

Plate Six (below) The standard style of

house in a rural house in Eastern

Androy (Fantiolotse and Katrafay).


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system. Non Christian Tandroy can hold a range of often family specific, dietary

taboos, with products including goat meat, sheep meat, chicken eggs and meat being

forbidden by fadys prescribed up to several generations previously by Ombiasy's.

This process of proscribing fadys is central to the role of Ombiasy.

The spread of Christian religion may have highly significant effects on the role and

empowerment of women in Tandroy society. Having already impacted on marriage

practices, notably reducing the frequency of polygamous marriage, Christianity may

reduce the subordinating effects of Tandroy marriage and hence improve the

empowerment of women in decision-making. The level of literacy will also be

increased by the presence of the Christian missions. Presently the Ifotaka region has a

reported literacy rate of 26% (Bartlett, 2001) and is supposed to have significantly

more education provision than much of the rest of Androy. Another factor which may

support the hypothesis of a future increase in the importance of women in decision

making is the current practice in education where in rural villages, primary school

classes are predominated by females.

The traditional practice of sacrificial animal slaughter as well as the connotations

attached to the sale of zebu cattle4, may be impacting on the desired herd structure for

Tandroy people. It has been reported that Christians engaged in livestock based

agriculture may show a tendency towards greater proportion in ownership of goats as

opposed to zebu. This is reportedly because goats are more easily saleable and people

do not have such aversion to their sale as with the culturally valuable zebu.

Population growth In Ifotaka the population growth rate has been estimated at 3.33% annually (Bartlett,

2001). Although this rapidly increasing human population doesn't directly damage the

environment, it is the single most important root cause behind the threats to the

environment. A increased population has increased resource needs, and with the rate

of use of natural resources exceeding the rate of natural regeneration, combined with

the absence of other methods of resource provision, this is an issue which must be

addressed. If the rate of population increase in the region is not slowed or indeed

stopped, the remaining natural resources will continue to endure increased pressure

from human use.

A major obstacle in trying to tackle this issue is the perception of the value of children

by the Tandroy. They are seen as valuable and people aspire to have many children

because it is seen as prestigious and a measure of social success. Children improve

livelihood security in old age, to help with agricultural and household tasks and an

increase in human population is not necessarily considered to be a threat. Given the

poverty in the Androy region, and the necessity that people face of having to consider

these issues in the short-term simply for survival, this will be the most challenging

issue but one which must be addressed. It must also be borne in mind that population

control programmes are unlikely to succeed independently and so the issue would be

most appropriately tackled through improved healthcare and education (Allison Jolly,

pers. comm.)

4 Zebu are sacred animals, they are accumulated as urban people may do with money in a bank, and are

slaughtered at death, hence they have a social value in addition to their economic value and this results

in an underlying reluctance to sell them. Indeed Tandroy men often complain of famine and ask for

food when they continue to hold sizeable herds of zebu, which they are reluctant to sell.


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Perception of 'Conservation and Development' Tandroy people have a range of experiences with external organisations implementing

programmes and practices in their region. This ranges from Madagascar's

colonisation by the French and the confiscation of firearms across the region by the

French and Senegalese forces a century ago (Parker-Pearson, 1999), to more recent

relationships with sisal plantation owners and national and international conservation

and development organisations.

When questioning what the Tandroy perceive by conservation and development we

must look at this in the context of the varied range of activities undertaken. Rural

people may have experience of World Food Programme food aid and road

rehabilitation, Christian Missionary Preaching and education provision, vaccination

programmes, Government Forest Guards and a mixture of environmental messages,

among others. This range of activities, with different motivations, levels of long-term

commitment, and messages may be the major stumbling block an for integrated

conservation and development programme for Androy. As with other development

initiatives internationally, the Tandroy have been observed to show a degree of

keenness to be involved in a development process. This is often driven by the short-

term desire to 'get a share of whatever is on offer', generally neglecting the long-term

reason for involvement, thus short term visible incentives are often the motivating

factor.

Another major issue is the separation of Conservation and Development, which in the

West is often done. From recent experience in Ifotaka, it is clear that local populations

do not logically separate these two fields, and rightly so, they appear to perceive

conservation and development as a unified entity. This is typified by experience from

stakeholder meetings in Ifotaka to develop a 'Plan de Conservation Communale'. It

proved necessary to unite conservation and development in the context of a 'Plan de

Development Communale'. This was due to a range of factors such as willingness of

people to work solely on conservation issues, which are seen not to bring any short

term incentives, and the fact that the issues concerning conservation cannot be

removed from their context in development in other areas (such as resource provision,

education, healthcare, beliefs and political structures). This highlights that local

desires and expectations from development are highly significant to ensure an

inclusive integrated conservation and development programme. It also shows the need

to develop and work through effective and comprehensive partnerships between the

implementing agencies working in any area, and emphasises the point that a

successful programme must have a vision with goals and incentives at short, medium

and long term.

Forests in Androy and their Conservation

At present the Androy region consists of a landscape of areas of different vegetation

types including areas of spiny forest, gallery (riverine) forest, agricultural lands

(including sisal plantations and local agriculture) and savannah areas. Within this

mosaic, are areas of forest protected by cultural history, such as burial sites at Angavo

(Antanimora) and Anjansikolo/Vohimary (Ifotaka). There are two areas held in

private reserves (Berenty and Kaleta reserves on the Mandrare) and areas protected by


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the national protected areas authority (ANGAP) namely Andohahela National Park

and Cap Sainte Marie Special Reserve. Current approaches to biodiversity

conservation in southern Madagascar are tending towards more holistic and

community based methods, in contrast to the historical 'fortress' and protected area

focus identified as a problem by Sussman et al. (1994).

It has been reported by the protected areas authority (ANGAP) (pers. comm. ANGAP

Information Officer Tulear, 2001) that new protected areas in Androy are not

currently proposed and has it also been identified that both the Water and Forest

Ministry and ANGAP currently lack the capacity to effectively manage these forests.

If the position on protected areas with ANGAP and the capacity of MEF remain

unchanged the most appropriate approach to conservation is to consider the forests as

a natural resource for the whole region. This suggests that the empowerment of the

Tandroy people to sustainably manage their resources, along with assistance to

facilitate and monitor this, should be key elements of the approach to forest

conservation for Androy. If the forests are considered as the main source of fuel,

construction material and a significant source of agricultural land provision for the

whole region, it is clear that any conservation efforts must address these resource

provision issues at the same scale. The eventual goal should be to combine the

maintenance of an effective forest corridor from the perspective of biodiversity

conservation5 with a mosaic landscape providing fuel, construction material and

agricultural land (and hence food) to meet the needs of the whole region.

In terms of biodiversity, five priority-unprotected areas in the Androy Region have

been identified by the WWF Spiny Forest Ecoregion Programme (Programme Ala

Maiky) and its partners. These areas are - Andabolava/Betsimalaho; Ifotaka/Behara

/Tranomaro/Ambotoabo; Ankodida; Ambanisariky/Ambohimalaza/Antanimora;

Tranovaho/Tsinava/CapSaitneMarie/Bereny. These should be incorporated into the

development of a conservation action plan for the region once it has been established

under what criteria they have been allocated priority status.

Ilminite Mining

The threat of mining in southern Madagascar is already a highly sensitive issue

among local, national and international groups. A high profile proposed ilminite

mining site in the Tanosy region (around Fort Dauphin) has been identified to be a

great threat to the highly sensitive and unique littoral forests in the area, as well as to

the maintenance of the livelihoods of the residents. Backed by the international

corporation, Rio Tinto, the project has received much attention from the

environmental world. Such a venture is highly lucrative and with a recent

announcement that Rio Tinto's subsidiary company has been granted permission to

mine, it appears that the Malagasy government is keen to exploit these natural

resources for the nation's benefit despite the threat to both local livelihoods and the

areas' biodiversity.

5 Such a corridor would maintains sufficient populations of all wild species and with connectivity

across the landscape would maintain ecological and evolutionary processes to guard against long term

environmental changes such as climate change. (WWF, 2001)


14

The adjacent Androy region is not without this threat itself. Firstly, changes in

resource provision for Fort Dauphin could increase the pressure on the Androy region,

particularly for the exploitation of charcoal and construction materials. Areas in the

west of the Mandrare River basin (between Ambovombe, Ifotaka, Amboasary and the

coastline) are also known to have significant and valuable ilminite deposits, as

demonstrated by successful prospecting by American mining company, Phelps Dodge

during 2000-2002 (Roger Scott, pers. comm., 2002).

Phelps Dodge have recently agreed to allow the TCT access to their Environmental

Management Plan, the outcome an examination of their materials is awaited. Local

communities have expressed their concern for the mining activities (Remanintsy, pers.

comm., 2001; pers. obs., 2001), drawing comparison with the existing sisal

concessions that were established during Madagascar's colonisation by France, and

which are often despised by local populations6. As Phelps Dodge have not been

forthcoming with information to date it has not been possible to assess what direct

threat their mining may have to the biodiversity in the forests south of Ifotaka. It is

clear, however, that any mining operation will have a significant indirect effect on the

region to the north. Agricultural lands currently used for both cultivation and grazing

would be reduced, and given the known advancement of the coastal sand dunes to the

south, the population is more likely to move northward towards Ifotaka bringing these

pressures with it.

Addressing the mining issue must be a priority for the region, namely ensuring that

any company eventually mining is fully implicated in the region's integrated

conservation and development programmes. The effect of this company's prospecting

work has already had a significant effect on the confidence of local people in outside

agencies, with Project Ifotaka personnel often being held in similar disdain to the

mining company employees until intentions are fully explained. This demonstrates

how local perception of 'vazahas' may be generalised with bodies having clearly

different motives being viewed as one entity, ie those interfering with the area. In this

way a mining operation would be hugely damaging.

Political Structures

Both traditional and modern political structures in the region are highly influential in

regard to forest conservation. Modern leaders show a range of attitudes to the

environment, such as mayors reportedly selling permission to clear forest

(Tranomaro) and others forbidding it (Ifotaka), and traditional leaders and practices

may maintain protection of forests for a range of reasons. During the presidential

election in December 2001, following which major political instability ensued, the

allegiance of the Tandroy people was seen to be with Didier Ratsiraka, a former

6 The sisal plantations are still managed by Europeans and provide varying degrees of benefit to the

neighbouring communities (low paid employment, education) depending on the policy of the

proprietor. A notable example is the praise frequently cited to the de Heaulme family (a sisal family

who gained concessions dureing the colonial times) for conserving valuable gallery forest at Berenty

and Bealoka. The fact that Berenty village has very poor living conditions and has not been provided

with a school for the village's children is rarely mentioned, the numerous international tourists visiting

Berenty in luxury vehicles have create a significant barrier between residents and vazahas, with a

strong feeling of 'them and us'.


15

socialist of the Arema Party won 62.96% of the vote from Androy7 in the official and

disputed election results (WWW, 2002)), his nearest rival was Marc Ravalomanana

who won 27.5% of the vote. During the election campaigning, rural people admitted

their willingness to change political allegiance due to cash payments distributed

during the propaganda campaigns (Bekiria village elder, pers. comm., 2001). Perhaps

this demonstrates that rural people see little to gain from support for any political

policies other than in short term financial bribes, it could perhaps be viewed as a

reaction to the 'short-termism' demonstrated in conservation and development

policies. This is an assertion supported by rural people, accusing their government of

corruption and of having little impact on their lives. In considering Tandroy Royal

and patriarchal lineage's, they demonstrate greater continuity than the more modern

political structures, and it could be supposed that at a rural level these traditional

leaders remain highly influential.

With these considerations in mind, it is clearly important to ensure that an inclusive

conservation and development programme is carried out in the Androy region. The

integration of modern political structures and traditional hierarchies must be a central

part of any region wide conservation programme, especially considering the

programme may be perceived to originate from modern politics and so appear to be

less inclusive of traditional systems. Conservation and Development in Androy must

therefore embrace both modern and traditional political structures.

Advancement of Sand Dunes on Coastal Zone

At the southern boundary of Androy lies the Indian Ocean and the coastal zone which

is currently under pressure from the inland migration of sand dunes. This has, and will

continue, to increase pressure on land resources further inland concerning agriculture.

For this reason slowing the rate of movement of the dunes has been made a priority

(WWF, 2001).

Invasion of Exotic Plant Species

Two species of plant in Androy are non-native and may be a threat to native

vegetation, they are Sisal and Raketa mena (Opuntia stricta - Prickly Pear Cactus).

Raketa mena is supposed to have the more damaging effect as it is frequently used for

feeding animals and for land demarcation and is therefore often deliberately planted,

CEPF (2001) identifies the benefit that raketa confers to the forest due to its use as

fodder in place of forest plants. Areas with these species growing may directly

prevent the growth of native species and the natural regeneration of native forest, it

may also impact forest regeneration by restricting the natural dispersal of native

species. In areas of south-western Androy (nr Tsiombe) while Raketa mena provides

an essential food source almost annually (Lellelid, pers. comm) it has also overgrown

much agricultural land. Further investigations into the impact of these species and

trials of methods to limit negative impacts are in progress.

7 The Androy Subprefectures of Beloha, Tsiombe, Bekily, Ambovombe and Amboasary.


16

Effects of Introduced Animal Species

The mammal fauna is most noted for containing a number of non-native species in the

region. This includes the Black Rats (RODENTIA Rattus rattus), Brown Rats (Rattus

norvegicus) and The House Mouse (Mus musculus)(Garbutt, 1999). These species are

known to have overlapping diets with a number of endemic rodents and may also

have a negative impact on ground dwelling birds. Among the CARNIVORA, The

Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica) is commonly found (pers. obs.) and is known

to prey on small vertebrates. This dietary feature means a threat is posed to the

endemic mammal fauna. The impact of these introduced species on the native

mammal fauna of the region is unknown, for this reason an investigation into the

mammal communities would be useful in assessing the threat to endemic and native

members of the Muridae Family and the endemic Family Tenrecidae.


17

4. Opportunities for Conservation

The following discussion presents a number of ideas pertinent to conservation in the

Androy region. This discussion needs to be followed up with inclusive dialogue

among experts in the subject matter and those already engaged in work in the area.

This could result in developing a suitable framework within which a Conservation

Programme can succeed and where activities address both conservation and

development issues in an integrated program.

Human population growth rate reduction programme The current population

growth rate (3.33% in Ifotaka) is simply the root cause for all the threats to the

region's forests. This must be the focus of work in the region with the other programs

being implemented (to encourage sustainable and more efficient practices; to limit

damaging features of the region (mining, dune advancement and invasive species);

and to introduce technologies coherent with future development needs and forest

management) seen as peripheral. Bluntly put, if the population growth is not hugely

slowed or stopped there is going to be such pressure on natural resources in Androy,

that the destruction of forest and biodiversity may be the only remaining option for

the survival of the Tandroy people. Given past experience (Alison Jolly, pers.comm.),

it has been suggested that attempts to tackle population issues directly are doomed to

failure. This dictates that the approach should place increased importance on

improved education and healthcare, as well as resource provision and resource

technology programmes being implemented.

Developing a Common Vision across Conservation and Development Agencies

In the previous section dealing with the Tandroy people and their perception of

Conservation and Development it was suggested that these are things not necessarily

separated by rural people. This suggests that the single most important characteristic

of a successful biodiversity conservation programme for Androy will be that

conservation and development-implementing agencies work to common goals. This

is inevitably an almost impossible thing to achieve with different agencies having

different specific goals, levels of funding and an ever-changing personnel base.

Despite the challenge of the task I feel it necessary to highlight that the goal should be

a 'Conservation and Development Implementing Agency Network' to be

established for Androy. Its members should develop common goals and within these

agreed and complementary scopes of work. These goals must consider constraints by

local populations who will be implementing the initiatives to avoid isolation of the

objectives, policies and programs (Keck et al., 1994). Members should also maintain

maximum continuity in their personnel and program goals in order that successful

partnerships with local communities can be built both on trust and mutual

understanding, and to ensure time is not lost while new staff become integrated into

the program (Sussman et al., 1994). Although this goal is unlikely to be achieved in

full, all concerned should strive towards it by developing extensive collaborations and

seeking feedback and input on their work on a frequent basis.


18

A 'Conservation Landscape' View of Androy's Forests Considering the regions

forested and unforested areas as one landscape is absolutely essential to avoid treating

the symptoms (unsustainable practice) rather than the disease (population pressure).

The landscape must provide both biodiversity services (maintenance of adequate

populations of all species, maintenance of ecological and evolutionary processes and

continuity of forest cover between ecoregions), and meet the resource needs of the

human population. This conservation landscape should include: Areas of forest

protected by various means; Areas of Agriculture to provide sufficient food for the

region and Areas to provide sufficient natural resources for fuel and construction

materials.

Informal and Formal Educational Programmes

The literacy rate of 26% (in Ifotaka, Bartlett, 2001) demonstrates a need for both

formal and informal educational programmes, accessing all parts of the region to

support any conservation and development activities implemented. Although highly

effective FM Radio emissions have limited effect due to FM coverage being restricted

to the areas closest to the Sub-Prefecture Towns with functioning radio stations.

Radio communication on Short and Medium wavelengths which may reach those

remote communities with access to radios should be considered. However as these are

typically a national broadcast, dialectal and cultural issues could prove challenging.

Teams promoting and educating people about contraception and water purification

have demonstrated that roving education programmes have a high impact and can

more easily target the most relevant regions/communities. With the Tandroy holding

certain cultural traditions which are environmentally friendly (such as taboo animals

and forest areas), educational campaigns and the development of relationships with

traditional leaders could encourage the protection of traditional values. In addition,

considering the influence of Christianity and the potential erosion it may be causing

of traditional values it would be valuable to encourage Christian priests and pastors to

bring an environmental theme to their services and sermons where possible.

Agricultural Development

With the current destructive agricultural system in Androy being one of the major

specific threats to the forest it is clear that changes in the regions' agriculture are

essential for a sustainable future. There are two themes which agricultural change

should reflect. Firstly initiatives which encourage less damaging cultivation practices,

and secondly agricultural intensification to provide food for the growing population.

Maize cultivation in the region operates on a cycle where forest is cleared on hillsides,

maize planted, and following erosion over several years the fields become

insufficiently fertile and are then left fallow for regeneration. Alternatives to this

should be investigated, such as the use of crops with greater coverage (and so more

protective against soil erosion), interplanting of maize with other 'soil protective

plants', or planting of 'soil friendly' plants following maize cultivation and prior to the

soil becoming insufficiently fertile for further maize cultivation.

The issue of agricultural intensification and diversification will be a highly complex

one. Some comparisons and useful lessons should be drawn from LDI's Forest


19

Corridor Project at Fianarantsoa (Ferudenberger & Freudenberger, nd). While existing

agricultural practices, tradition and culture, and climatic limitations may differ

between the two areas, patterns for the forest corridor (if that is how we consider the

corridor between PN Andohahela and RS Cap Sainte Marie), and impacts of

agriculture and agricultural change are certain to show some similarities.

Clearly, to provide food for the growing human population, agricultural activity must

increase. If it is desired to limit the increase of the area cultivated then yield efficiency

must be increased by intensification and diversification. The potential for the use of

new methods and new crops should be investigated, for example, the introduction of

barrages and training to provide irrigation and infrastructure for rice cultivation could

be assessed, although Sussman et al. (1994) identified problems where culture and

appropriately skilled personnel may restrict the benefit of rice culture in inappropriate

areas. Irrigation could allow the cultivation of certain crops to expand from currently

restricted areas (eg: carrots, onions, potatoes). Another possibility could be the

development of longer term agricultural practice such as fruit trees, essential oils, fish

culture and bee keeping which have been applied in the Fianarantsoa Forest Corridor

(Freudenberger and Freudenberger, nd). Given the large numbers of livestock owned

by the Tandroy, encouraging and improving the use of manure for fertiliser could

produce positive results.

The effects of agricultural intensification should be carefully assessed as insufficient

transport infrastructure may discourage its implementation (Freudenberger and

Freudenberger, nd). More intensive methods may actually encourage greater amounts

of forest clearance than traditional agriculture, as extra resources and time become

available and the survival strategy of land provision for offspring may increase

(Freudenberger and Freudenberger, nd).

Forest Resource Provision Program

Laying agricultural use aside, the provision of resources that the forest provides for

the region is mainly for fuel and construction products. The growing population

requires fuel for cooking and wood for construction. Natural regeneration times for

spiny forest have been estimated at 150-200 years (Parker-Pearson, 1997), some 3 or

4 times the average human life expectancy in the region (and the time of up to 13

human generations). With people not traditionally involved in planting forest, it will

be necessary to provide wood resources through new initiatives.

It is suggested that a combination of two initiatives will be required to provide these

new resources and will ensure the long term existence of spiny forest (other initiatives

and technologies to change resource use requirements in the long term are considered

in a later section). Firstly, human intervention in natural forest regeneration, such as

planting native trees in deforested areas. Secondly, the introduction of new forestry

techniques for native species or the introduction of new species to meet the resource

needs will be required. Exotic species, while often quick growing and of high wood

quality, should also be dealt with cautiously given the problems of soil dessication,

fire and impacts on native flora.

Fuel needs for the region are currently split between charcoal and dead wood, the


20

quantities of these required will inevitably increase in the short and medium term (and

in the long term until population control programs and new technology programs have

achieved success). Sussman et al. (1994) identified that 'fast growing gourds' had

been successfully used for the replacement of charcoal throughout the world (Bragg et

al., 1987 in Sussman et al., 1994)). The introduction of a program to utilise other

species should be investigated as a major priority.

Construction needs for Androy are known to vary across the region. From our case

study in Ifotaka and the known role of the regions forests as a source in Tanosy and

Bara lands, alternatives similar to that proposed above should be investigated, perhaps

carefully designed plantations of quick growing species such as eucalyptus should be

introduced although the concerns raised above should be borne in mind. Construction

wood provision is another major priority.

For any human catalysed regeneration of native species forests, it will be necessary to

conduct research, however pressing the nature of the resource use threat in the region.

Plantations of Fantiolotse, Katrafay and other notable dominant and commonly used

species should be introduced as soon as possible (see Japanese efforts on NGO Croix

de Sud for Fantiolotse planting in high profile areas on RN13).

New Resource Technologies Programmes

In support of initiatives aimed at providing sufficient forest resources for fuel and

construction, a series of programs to encourage the development and use of new

technologies is proposed. If in the short term we aim to improve the efficiency of

forest resource use, and in the medium to long term we aim to replace much of this

use with new technologies there are a number of initiatives which should be

investigated.

Already in use, with great success, is the introduction of fuel efficient stoves ('Toko

Mitsitsi' made from mud/clay/sand/manure/termite mound depending on the region)

for both wood and charcoal cooking by the Andrew Lees Trust. It is vital that this

project reaches all areas within the region, particularly the most remote and forested

areas. WWF have also introduced programs to improve the efficiency of plank

production for construction, again this should be implemented in all forested areas

where planks are produced. An approach, which may improve the efficiency of

construction wood use, would be to prolong the life span of these wood houses. By

protecting wood with preserving treatments against termites and other insects (which

destroy the wood and necessitate the replacement of wood houses after 6 or 7 years),

houses could become more durable. These programmes, despite their great value may

be seen to 'treat the cause rather than the effect', and so will only work in the short

term. It is the very fact that wood is used for construction and fuels that is the root

cause of the problem.

Investigating fuel and construction wood provision from other sources will remove

the threat to the forests. Fuel for cooking could perhaps be provided with solar energy

or biogas production. A benefit for the uptake of fuel provision technology by the

population is that it relates to a daily need, and the benefits of the new technologies

can be seen instantly. With the inevitable changing needs of the population as the


21

region develops, sources of energy from HEP and Wind should also be investigated.

Construction wood use is a more difficult, but perhaps equally important issue to

tackle, given that benefits may only be seen in the longer term and that current

practices have special cultural significance. Therefore the elimination or minimisation

of wood use in construction will be difficult. Investigations into the potential for use

of brick, clay and stone houses across the region should be initiated as soon as

possible. Working on similar principles to the 'Toko Matsitsi' program mentioned

above, successful sample houses would, in themselves, encourage people to construct

non-wood houses, assuming that the capacity to do so and appropriate materials were

available.

Management Programme for Remaining Forest

With the threats to the remaining forest in Androy and no plans to increase the

number of the traditional type of protected areas (Special Reserves/National Parks), it

is clear that a management strategy needs to be developed. The first priority should

be to identify those sites currently unprotected, which are of exceptional biodiversity

importance, and those sites with populations of the most threatened and restricted

range species. This process can be carried out with a combination of existing

biodiversity field data, a priority setting workshop among experts on the region, and

rapid surveys to unknown areas identified by remote sensing. This is a process already

well advanced by WWF and has combined biodiversity data with socio-economic

factors to establish a set of priority areas. The strategy to conserve the agreed

priority areas identified by this process should be by a combination of methods:

1. Locally agreed parks (Parc Agreer), recognised by ANGAP but more locally

managed - harnessing emerging legislation such as APV (Aire Protegee

Volontaire).

2. Areas already protected by cultural factors, such as taboo, sacred and burial

forests.

3. Areas protected by agreements under GCF and GELOSE laws for community

driven forest management (see Durbin, 2001).

A major concern in maintaining each of these three categories is that they lack any

incentive in the short term, and would be perceived locally as land that holds

resources which could be transformed into crops, wood and cash. This shows where

it may be necessary to combine the officially classified Parc Agreer, GCF/GELOSE

with a system of short-term incentives for conservation of forest. Combining

protection of forest with incentives such as agricultural development, health,

sanitation, animal health and education provision, and help on suitable capital

generating initiatives (medicinal plant cultivation; bee-keeping, plantation forestry &

community ecotourism) may go some way to securing the forest. This said, a

comprehensive monitoring infrastructure would need to be in place to ensure that

agreements are adhered to (See DeCosse, 2001 for Forest Governance Context

Setting).

Any system of short-term incentives for forest protection is going to reduce

movement towards genuinely empowered communities engaging in making real

management decisions for their forest and natural resources. Incentives require

monitoring and hence outside interference, however this is inevitable but should be

considered in developing the management messages used with partner communities.


22

Direct Payment Contracts for conservation of ecosystems in Madagascar is a concept

currently being mooted (Durbin, 2001; Conrad and Ferraro, 2001; WWF 2001). As a

process it would certainly have the advantage over indirect payments, in that simple

contracts could be designed and easily measured in the short term and would give

quantifiable returns on investment (exact cost for exact area conserved) as well as

providing directly quantifiable incentives to local stakeholders. It is unclear how it

would effect the status and security of areas protected by other laws and with other

indirect payment methods mentioned in the previous paragraph. Indeed it is also

important that existing land tenure and common-pool forest resource management

systems (enforcement, compatibility, isolation, spatial extent and rule fit) are fully

understood in each area (Horning, 2000) ensuring that implementing agencies do not

catalyse local conflicts. Another consideration is that contracts for direct payment

should not be implemented in areas with existing 'conservation market mechanisms',

in order to use resources efficiently (Durbin, 2001). It is concluded that should a form

of direct payments for conservation be integrated into the management of Androy's

forests, the full complement of factors should receive careful consideration.

Capital Generating Initiatives Program

With rural communities perception of forest as a potential resource for conversion

into food or cash, it is essential that conservation initiatives include incentives for the

conservation or appropriate use of land. Already presented are direct contract

payments and a selection of indirect payments (agricultural, education, medical).

Another set of incentives include a number of initiatives which could generate capital

for the individual or community, or for both.

Ecotourism has long been cited as a potential capital-generating venture from which

communities can gain financially by protecting areas suitable for tourism. However,

CEPF (2001) suggests that Madagascar has yet to demonstrate an example of this, an

assertion supported by the fact that much of the income from Madagascar's tourism

has no positive impact on local communities (see Berenty Private Reserve as a prime

example). This situation is due to poor infrastructures in communities, poor transport

infrastructures generally and a relatively small tourist population. It produces a

situation with the tourists who are able to pay at a level where significant gain for the

community would have been possible, book holidays trough tour operators based in

Europe, North America or Antananarivo and stay in the best hotels (often foreign or

expatriate owned). This means the trickle down of money to the community level is

negligible. Despite this current reality, there is a small developing niche market for

genuine community cultural tourism and ecotourism. Within a suitable framework a

small number of communities and local entrepreneurs could benefit from forest

conservation financially. Its relevance at the regional scale can certainly be

questioned.

The exploitation and cultivation of medicinal plants is another area in which rural

people could potentially gain financially. In Androy a pertinent example is katrafay

(Cedrelopsis grevei) which is known throughout the country and further afield for its

medicinal value against fevers and other ailments. Already, a French pharmaceutical

company has stated interest in exporting the plant for sale in a product in Europe

(Mananjarasoa E [CNRE], pers. comm., 2001). Local people could potentially


23

cultivate the tree for subsequent sale and exportation. Some concern has been raised

however that its exploitation is currently done in an unsustainable way (bark being

removed, killing trees which are not replaced) and this suggests that the method of

exploitation/cultivation must be suitably managed. Another important issue is that of

intellectual and genetic property rights. Should a pharmaceutical company extract and

synthesise the active elements of any medicinal plant, will Tandroy people be suitably

compensated? Reference could be made to the Madagascar Rosy Periwinkle, native

to southern Madagascar and often cited as the source of cures for leukaemia and

Hodgkin's disease. How much are the Tandroy people being paid for its use now? It

is sure that numerous valuable medicinal plants exist in Androy, less than 6 months

fieldwork with Tandroy Ombiasy's in Ifotaka has identified in excess of 200 reported

medicinal plant preparations, inevitably only a proportion will have sufficient proven

medical effect but nonetheless it remains an important resource in the region.

The potential of resource provision from forestry, fuel plant cultivation, and

agricultural development remain other capital generating ventures which, if designed

and implemented appropriately could help ensure environmental security.

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment completed for Ilminite Mine

The current lack of information in the public domain, regarding Phelps Dodge's

mineral sands prospection in the region must be addressed. An independent and

rigorous Social and Environmental Impact Assessment must be completed for Ilminite

Mine. This will suggest what issues must be addressed in the presence of such a

mine. Steps must be taken to ensure that stakeholders at a local, regional, national

and international level become part of a transparent and inclusive process. Should

mining proceed those making profit must be made to face the responsibility of the

regions conservation and development needs and not allowed to 'pass the buck to the

government to do so with mining tax revenue' as has been reportedly done in the case

of Rio Tinto (QMM) in the littoral forests at Fort Dauphin.

Dune Advancement Prevention Initiative

With the clear threat to not just the coastal zone but also inland areas, steps must be

taken to ensure that inland dune migration is minimised. Varied approaches have had

success elsewhere in the world and no doubt lessons could be learnt. The Andrew

Lees Trust, World Food Programme and WWF are currently engaged in project

development.

Invasive Species Impact Assessment and Control Programme Across Androy

With conservation agencies currently believing there to be a significant biodiversity

threat to the region by invasive, non-endemic species, a comprehensive impact

assessment should be conducted for both plant and animal species. This would

consider factors including: fragmentation and population genetics, cultural and

agricultural value, effects on natural vegetation and habitat regeneration.

Identification of the most threatened endemic and restricted range species will also be

necessary.


24

5. Summary of Recommended Action Points

1. Implementing Agency Network Established

2. Consideration of the whole Androy Region as a Conservation Landscape.

3. Educational Programs (Formal and Informal) to be implemented in all areas.

4. Agricultural Intensification/Diversification and Sustainable Practice Programme.

5. Forest Resource Provision Programme.

6. New Resource Technologies Programmes.

7. Human Population Control Programme.

8. Forest Management Programme.

9. Capital Generating Initiatives Programme.

10. Social and Environmental Impact Assessment for Ilminite Mine Carried Out.

11. Dune Advancement Prevention Initiative Implemented.

12. Invasive Species Impact Assessment and Control Programme.

Acknowledgements The preparation of this discussion has been a lengthy process and follows initial

discussions with several colleagues within the Tandroy Conservation Trust, Caroline

Hotham deserves particular thanks for this. Comments on the initial draft from Mike

Parker-Pearson, Cathy Farnworth, Mark Fenn, Yvonne Orengo and Jean-Laurent

Pfund allowed significant improvements. Full responsibility for the opinions and

material presented in the paper remain my own.

Sincere thanks must go to all the sponsors, advisors, students, staff and volunteers

who have made our endeavours over the course of last 6 years the success they have

been. The community of Ifotaka deserve the last word, often perplexed by the

relevance of our extended study, numerous people remains hugely hospitable and

helpful with our investigations. Let us hope that the next step is that community

based conservation can bring some genuine long lasting benefits to the community.

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Project Ifotaka.

Bragg, W.G., Duke, D.L. and Shultz, E.B., Jr., 1987, Rootfuel: Annual Roots as cookstove

fuel in the arid third world. Presented at the 28th Annual Meeting, Society for Economic

Botany, Chicago, Illinios, USA.

CEPF, 2001, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund: Ecosystem Profile, Madagascar, www.

Conrad J.M. & Ferraro, P.J., 2001, Endangered Ecosystem Conservation: The dynamics of

direct and indirect transfers. Environmental Policy Working Paper Series 2001-005 Dept of

Politics, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, USA.

DeCosse, P/J., 2001, Forest Governance and Communications under the Environment

Management Support Project (PAGE) in Madagascar: Rationale and Strategy, www.irgltd.mg

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http://www.irgltd.mg/


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