Preserving biodiversity and combating deforestation in Madagascar with the FFO
Photosol contributes to the preservation of the Iaroka Forest and the protection of biodiversity in Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the countries most affected by deforestation, with 95% of its natural forests already destroyed. This destruction is due to the exploitation of wood, slash-and-burn agriculture, and overgrazing, leading to soil erosion and a dramatic loss of biodiversity.
The Iaroka forest (3,300 ha) is one of the last biodiversity refuges in the Ankeniheny-Zahamena forest corridor. It is home to many endemic and endangered species, including rare orchids and critically endangered lemurs. Preserving this forest is crucial, particularly due to its role as a carbon sink, thus limiting the impacts of climate change.
In this context, Photosol has been committed since 2024, alongside the Fédération France Orchidées (FFO), to support the conservation of the Iaroka forest in Madagascar. By supporting FFO’s projects, we actively participate in the protection of a fragile ecosystem, the fight against deforestation, and the development of concrete actions for conservation and climate.
Conservation Actions
Since 2024, eight forest rangers have been monitoring the forest and combating illegal activities, conducting four operations against poaching and timber exploitation. The classification of the forest as a protected area is underway. The integration of this area into national and international strategies aims to ensure its long-term protection and strengthen its role as a biodiversity reserve and an essential carbon sink.
Study of Iaroka’s biodiversity and ecosystem
Two inventory campaigns identified 32 plant species, some of which are critically endangered, 117 species of orchids, and 7 species of threatened lemurs, highlighting the ecological importance of the forest.
The program has also strengthened conservation and research efforts by implementing continuous monitoring of the forest to limit its fragmentation and the destruction of its habitats. By protecting endemic species and studying the forest’s ability to store carbon, this initiative plays a key role in the fight against climate change.
