The Makira REDD+ project is the largest carbon emission reduction program in Madagascar’s land use sector and has played a critical role in demonstrating REDD+ successes in conserving high biodiversity value landscapes. Experiences from the implementation of the Makira REDD+ project have also provided important learning outcomes informing the design of Madagascar’s National REDD+ Program, expected to launch in 2019, as part of the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement.
38 million tons of CO2-e emissions avoided over the next 30 years.
This is equivalent to annual emissions from:
Farmers living in the Makira forest use slash and burn agriculture to clear forested lands for rainfed rice farming. These lands are typically then abandoned after one to two years as soils are depleted and farmers look for new forest areas to clear.
In the western region of Makira, farmers who raise cattle often burn grasslands and forest edges before the rainy season to ensure regeneration of pasture lands. This custom degrades the boundaries of intact forest causing deforestation and habitat loss.
Rapid population growth and limited work opportunities in the area make illegal logging for high value rosewood and ebony very attractive for local communities. Wood harvesting for fuel is also common for households where few energy and cooking alternatives are available.
Small-scale illegal mining for quartz and precious stones is also on the rise, specifically on the southern border of Makira. These mining operations uproot trees destroying small forest fragments in and around the park.
Protected area management, enforcement, and monitoring using interdisciplinary tools and technologies to generate actionable data informing WCS management approaches in the park.
Increasing the ecological sustainability of agricultural livelihoods by developing infrastructure, improving local watershed management, and providing training to local communities on improved farming techniques.
Diversifying income streams for local communities through the development of local ecotourism industries, increasing local capacity to produce high value cash crops including cacao, raffia, vanilla, and cloves, and creating linkages with local markets.
Bringing medical resources to isolated rural communities using mobile facilities and integrated health and nutrition programs, training local youth in reproductive health and balanced nutrition, and demonstrating linkages with natural landscape conservation.
Engaging the next generation in environmental education and reducing biodiversity loss from future homesteading. WCS education initiatives support environmental education with schools in Makira through environmental learning using internet technology.
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