The SEED Madagascar Ala Programme

The Sainte Luce littoral forest, tucked away in southeast Madagascar, is one of the last remaining viable examples of its kind. Known for its extraordinary biodiversity, the forest shelters four endangered lemur species, along with countless endemic plants, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

Yet, this fragile ecosystem is under siege. Industrial mining, deforestation, and slash-and-burn agriculture (locally known as tavy) have chipped away at the forest. Without intervention, studies predict that 91% of Madagascar’s southern littoral forests could disappear by 2065.

I discovered SEED Madagascar's Ala Programme while exploring Restor.Eco, a platform that aims to cut through greenwashing by offering transparent, open access to geospatial data from ecological restoration projects worldwide.

By featuring open geospatial data on interactive maps, Restor enables users to monitor projects like the Ala Programme, fostering transparency and accountability (though it should be pointed out, this data is not independently vetted).

In response to the aforementioned threats, SEED Madagascar launched the Ala Programme in 2019 to reconnect fragmented habitats and restore biodiversity. Key players in this initiative include Paul Allen, Senior Programme Officer for Conservation and Rural Livelihoods, and Fabrice Fomenjanahary, the project’s Reforestation Coordinator. Together, they oversee efforts to replant forest corridors, protect endangered species, and strengthen community engagement.

Fabrice, who studied biodiversity at the University of Tulear, brings a mix of scientific expertise and grassroots experience to his role. His background working with disadvantaged youth and his hands-on approach to conservation have made him a trusted figure in the Sainte Luce region.

Paul, with a master’s in international development and experience in global humanitarian work, strives to ensure the project adheres to high standards of transparency and accountability.

I recently spoke with Fabrice and Paul about their work with the Ala Programme. Their insights reveal the challenges, victories, and lessons learned from one of Madagascar’s most ambitious conservation efforts.

They were candid about their challenges—early planting efforts saw high mortality rates—but shared photos illustrating significant progress and explained why they remain optimistic about the programme’s future.

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Interview with Paul Allen and Fabrice Fomenjanahary

Could you share a favorite aspect of the Sainte Luce littoral forest or a fun fact about the local ecosystem that inspires you?

"My favorite aspect of the Sainte Luce littoral forest is its breathtaking diversity, both in wildlife and landscape. The forest is home to an incredible array of fauna, including lemurs, bats, and geckos, as well as remarkable flora, such as six endangered palm tree species. What makes it truly special is its stunning panoramic setting, where freshwater, forest, and sea converge to create a natural spectacle." – Fabrice

What drew you to work on the Ala Programme, and what inspires your efforts in reforesting and conserving endangered species like the lemurs?

"I studied biodiversity and the environment at the University of Tulear, and I’ve seen firsthand the anthropogenic pressures threatening the forest. I’ve been involved in several environmental projects, which deepened my understanding and commitment to conservation. The Ala Programme aligns perfectly with my passion for reforesting and safeguarding endangered species, such as lemurs. At SEED, I appreciate the continuous growth and learning opportunities, and it’s a pleasure to work closely with local communities. As an environmentalist, I find inspiration in contributing to the restoration of ecosystems and the protection of my country’s unique wildlife." – Fabrice

What has been the most significant challenge during the Ala Programme, especially in Phases I or II? How did you or your team address these challenges?

"The most significant challenge has been ensuring the survival of native seedlings in the forest corridors. In 2020, 99% of the seedlings planted did not survive, followed by 90% in 2021, and 70% in 2022. These high mortality rates were primarily caused by unseasonal weather patterns, such as weak rainy seasons, alongside extreme events like droughts and cyclones—conditions likely worsened by climate change. Additionally, the poor soil fertility in the corridors has contributed to these challenges.

"In response, we introduced new planting and corridor management strategies in July 2023. For planting, we adopted a technique of planting seedlings just below ground level to improve water retention and provide better wind protection. For corridor management, this has included watering the seedlings monthly during the dry season (July–December) and applying fertilizer two to three times per year to enrich the soil.

"Since implementing these strategies 18 months ago, the mortality rate has fallen to 26%, with over 7,000 native seedlings across the five Ala corridors—a remarkable success!" – Paul

If you were advising someone interested in implementing similar reforestation or conservation projects, what lessons from the Ala Programme would you share with them?

"Have patience, be adaptable, and keep planting trees! In conservation, we are dealing with nature, where progress can be slow and things don’t always go to plan.

"What if a drought or cyclone wipes out your seedlings? What happens if a pig damages your plant nursery? What happens if the well runs dry?

"These are all obstacles SEED has faced and overcome through hard work and creative solutions. That perseverance is paying off—in October 2024, a nocturnal lemur was captured on a camera trap using the forest corridors for the first time. Then, in November 2024, two more lemurs were observed during a survey!

"Transforming bare ground into lemur habitat in just five and a half years has been a demanding journey, but an incredibly rewarding one." – Paul

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Madagascar Reforestation: Lessons in Progress

This work underscores the importance of transparency and collaboration in conservation efforts. Paul and Fabrice have worked hard to exemplify this commitment by openly sharing not only their successes but also the challenges and setbacks they’ve faced along the way. By making data accessible to the public through innovative platforms, they invite accountability and encourage global learning.

The Ala Programme has made significant strides, from reducing seedling mortality to witnessing lemurs return to the forest corridors. However, these achievements reflect only one chapter in a long and ongoing journey. The Sainte Luce littoral forest is far from fully restored, but the progress achieved so far demonstrates the potential of combining scientific expertise, community involvement, and adaptability.

While the future of the forest remains uncertain, the lessons learned here offer valuable insights for other conservation projects around the world. Through persistence, collaboration, and a commitment to sharing knowledge, efforts like this can inspire and guide the restoration of threatened ecosystems worldwide.

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