Community-Led Conservation
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Dotted across Madagascar's vast landscape, one can find swathes of forest diligently cared for and managed by local communities. These VOI associations, or Vondron’Olona Ifotony, are grassroots community groups that seek to sustainably manage the forests their communities depend on, often encouraging ecotourism and ecological restoration.
VOI Mitsinjo, based in Ranomafana, has managed approximately 440 hectares of forest adjacent to Ranomafana National Park since 2020. oloNala will support VOI Mitsinjo in expanding their forest restoration, ecotourism, and sustainable development activities by following a "community buy-in" model: The VOI is in charge of the planning, implementation, and management of their conservation initiatives, and we provide the materials, training, and support for them to bring their vision to life.
Our Goals
Our Goals
Diversifying Livelihoods
Diversifying Livelihoods
Madagascar's unique wildlife remains the main driver behind the country's ecotourism industry, providing sources of livelihood that incentivize protecting forests and their inhabitants. By involving the entire community through the VOI, everybody has a stake in the protection of the forest and the benefits it brings.
Building Capacity
Building Capacity
In order to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the VOI-led initiatives, we will work with in-country conservation experts and scientists to provide relevant trainings and workshops in biodiversity monitoring, tree nursery implementation, and more. With these programs in place, the VOI will also be able to host local student groups and researchers for collaborative conservation activities.
Creative Paths to Conservation
Creative Paths to Conservation
Several of the VOI's past projects have incorporated partnerships with a visual artist to bring the forest and its attractions to tourists. The oloNala Art Residency program will provide a pool of creatives eager to move those initiatives forward and expand the VOI's impact through artwork, and outreach & science communication materials in Malagasy.
Ongoing Projects
Ongoing Projects
Expanding the VOI's Ecotourism Infrastructure
Expanding the VOI's Ecotourism Infrastructure
With the support of Rasolo's Launchpad Fellowship at The Safina Center and the help of a local engineer, the VOI was able to construct a 15 meter-long bridge connecting two of the main attractions of the park, the Andriagna Twin Waterfalls and Vatolahidimy, or the Five Tombstones, a cultural site nestled within pristine primary forest. Previously, community members and visitors to the park had to cross through the waters of Tomaro River, which was near impossible during the rainy season. Next, we aim to support the VOI through:
the construction of an information and ticketing booth at the entrance of the Ambatolahidimy forest
The construction of a rest area at the Andriagna Twin Waterfalls
Trail improvements and maintenance
A training for the local guides in ecotourism and hospitality
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