The True Value of Forests: insights from Madagascar
The Wyss Academy Dialogue on the True Value of Forests took place in Maroantsetra, Madagascar, with 26 participants from government and civil society. The event highlighted the multifaceted value of forests, integrating cultural heritage with modern management practices.
- Written in collaboration with
In June, the East Africa edition of the Wyss Academy Dialogue on the True Value of Forests took place in Maroantsetra, Madagascar. This event brought together 26 participants from government and civil society to explore the value of forests and develop actionable strategies for their conservation. Here are the key insights derived from this dialogue:
Cultural legacy and modern challenges
There is a need to reconcile traditional values with contemporary conservation challenges. Historically, forests in Madagascar were revered and protected through cultural and spiritual practices. Rituals involving offerings to Zanahary (Malagasy for God) and beliefs about spirits residing in trees contributed to forest preservation. However, as these traditions have waned, forests have increasingly been exploited for firewood, construction, and agriculture, leading to soil erosion, reduced productivity, and the loss of cultural practices.
Need for balanced governance and civic engagement
Finding a balance between traditional practices and modern needs is crucial. This can be achieved by developing clear governance policies for environmental and forest protection. Such policies should be accompanied by intensive civic awareness campaigns to educate local communities about conservation and sustainable forest management. A balanced approach is essential for fostering both environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.
Value as a dynamic concept
The “true” value of forests is dynamic and multifaceted, encompassing economic, environmental, and socio-cultural aspects. Advocacy and communication about forest value must reflect local needs and perspectives. Forests are seen as vital sources of life, and effective conservation requires recognising that everyone benefits from and thus shares responsibility for their preservation.
While we must take urgent steps to protect globally important biodiversity, we need to resist the urge to cut corners. Implementing a socially-just and rights-based approach to conservation is a slow and difficult process. It is those people at the forest frontier holding an axe that have the biggest influence over what happens.
Forests also offer economic benefits, such as income from ecotourism and honey production. Integrating health and sustainable research into conservation efforts is important. Strengthening relationships between local communities and donors is vital for crafting effective solutions and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Integration of forest management and conservation initiatives
The dialogue also addressed existing national and private sector initiatives focused on forest management:
- SNABE (National Strategy for Wood-Energy Supply): A government strategy aimed at growing the wood energy supply while reducing consumption, establishing land tenure security, and promoting alternative energy sources.
- Alliance Voahary Gasy (AVG): A coalition of around thirty organisations advocating for sustainable resource management and environmental protection, offering training, and popularising environmental laws.
- Fair Trade Certifications: Initiatives by private sector actors to finance and support conservation partnerships.
As the regional dialogues conclude, the insights and lessons from these events will feed into a larger, connected experience at the virtual Global Dialogue scheduled for October 1-2, and later at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity. The Wyss Academy looks forward to translating this collective wisdom into tangible, real-world impacts.
The Dialogues on the True Value of Forests are organised by the Wyss Academy for Nature in collaboration with the Impact Hub Network.
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