The tropical dry forests in this region are home to extraordinary biodiversity, including iconic baobab trees and rare bird and mammal species. Among them is Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, the world’s smallest and most endangered primate. These forests have long been under pressure from deforestation and fire.

Since 2023, the Hempel Foundation has partnered with FAPBM

, a Malagasy conservation trust fund that supports protected areas across the country. Together with a coalition of local organisations, the partnership focuses on improving forest management, preventing wildfires, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for communities living in and around the forest.

This collaborative, landscape-based approach is already delivering results.

In 2025, the area saw a record drop in fire incidents and deforestation. Overall, deforestation has been reduced by 84% since the partnership began.

This progress shows what is possible when local organisations, communities, and funders work together. By combining conservation with practical solutions that support people’s livelihoods, we can help protect forests for the long term.

Across Madagascar and other key biodiversity areas, we continue to support partners working to protect some of the world’s most important ecosystems, helping ensure that forests, wildlife, and communities can thrive together.