Migration & management of protected areas in Madagascar

Exploring policy pathways considering migration dynamics in the sustainable management of protected areas in Madagascar

map of Menabe IGSD aims to be at the forefront of knowledge innovation enabling change towards a more sustainable, prosperous and healthier planet. Our Research Fellow Dr Herizo Andrianandrasana has received support from the University of Warwick to conduct a research project that aims to better understand the link between deforestation and the dynamics of migration in the Menabe Antimena Protected Area, western Madagascar.

Menabe Antimena (210,000 hectares), IUCN Category V is managed by Fanamby NGO and is one of Madagascar’s 144 protected areas. It is well known for its unique biodiversity, characterised by the existence of different types of natural ecosystems such as dry dense forests, lakes, and mangroves. These are vital for the conservation of endemic species that include the giant jumping rat Hypogeomys antimena (vositse), flat tailed tortoise Pyxis planicauda (Kapidolo), lemur communities, baobab trees, Cryptoprocta ferox (fosa), and migratory birds.

On top of an issue with illegal selective logging, Menabe has faced rapid deforestation hypothesised to be exacerbated by the migration of people from southern Madagascar. It is believed that migrants have fled from hard life conditions in the regions of Androy or Mahafaly to squat in the forest or settle in villages near the protected area. They then practise slash and burn agriculture in order to grow maize and peanuts. However, currently there is limited scientific evidence linking migration and deforestation in the area as well as a low level of awareness amongst local stakeholders regarding the links between these socio-economic and ecological challenges.

The project focuses on two main objectives:

1. to unravel social-ecological complexities potentially linking poverty and deforestation in Menabe.
2. to support the co-design of policy pathways with local stakeholders towards more effective and sustainable management of protected areas in the region.

Develop maps of historical forest loss and active fire using Hansen Forest cover, 30m resolution, and NASA VIIRS fire data (Visible Infrared Imager-Radiometer Suite), 375m resolution
Run social survey through oral history, key informant interviews and focus groups, to look at the potential link between deforestation and migration in the region
Analyse quantitative and qualitative information to understand people's insights and produce clear and defensible findings
Generate framework that identifies and compares different policy options by assessing their effects, performance, impacts, and trade-offs
Develop policy pathways through workshops in Menabe and in the South inviting key stakeholders
Disseminate research findings and key policy recommendations through a documentary film, investigative newspaper articles, academic publication, and a report to the government for future policy decision-making.

The project is expected to improve the knowledge base in terms of the link between human migration and the rate of deforestation. It will generate useful knowledge to make appropriate decisions and develop a strategy to combat deforestation in Menabe protected area while also considering local socio-economic priorities. By adopting a participatory process, this project will facilitate informed discussions aiming to alter existing national regulations in Madagascar so that future actions take into consideration the complexities of socio-ecological systems in protected areas. The information produced during the project may also be beneficial for other protected areas in Madagascar (e.g. Ankarafantsika National Park) and beyond facing similar issues.

- Dr Herizo Andrianadrasana (PI)

- Dr Jess Savage (Co-I), GSD, School for Cross Faculty Studies, University of Warwick UK

- Dr Chrisovaladis Malesios (Co-I), IGSD, School for Cross Faculty Studies, University of Warwick UK

- Prof Nikoleta Jones (Co-I), IGSD, School for Cross Faculty Studies, University of Warwick UK

- Dr Sama Zefania IESM (Institut d’Etablissement Supérieur de Menabe) University of Menabe Madagascar, Website: http://www.mesupres.gov.mg/?Universite-de-Morondava-IESMLink opens in a new window

- Fabiola Fidisoa Viraina, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Madagascar

- Nigel Richardson, Journalist writer, London UK. Websites: nigel-richardson.co.ukLink opens in a new window, telegraph.co.uk/authors/nigel-richardsonLink opens in a new window

- Jean Louis Mauricio Randriantsalama, journalist, cameraman, Madagascar

- Dr Peter LongLink opens in a new window, Dept of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University UK