Madagascar’s ancient baobab forests are facing significant threats, with 4,000 hectares destroyed annually due to slash-and-burn agriculture. These iconic trees, crucial to the local ecosystem and culture, are under severe stress. The loss of large animals that historically helped spread baobab seeds, combined with the effects of climate change, has further compounded the situation.
In response to these challenges, a collaborative effort involving local communities, researchers, and technology is underway to restore and conserve Madagascar’s baobab forests. Led by tropical ecologist Seheno Andriantsaralaza, the Group of Specialists Passionate about Baobabs of Madagascar is actively engaged in practical conservation actions.
Through initiatives like the ARO Baobab Project funded by the PEER USAID program, efforts are being made to involve communities in sustainable harvesting of baobab fruit and replanting baobab seedlings. Innovative approaches, such as using artificial intelligence to monitor seedling health, are proving effective in tracking progress and ensuring the survival of the newly planted trees.
Women are playing a vital role in these conservation efforts, from leadership positions to physical planting in tree nurseries. By empowering local women to take an active role in baobab conservation, the project aims to not only restore the baobab forests but also provide economic opportunities for the communities involved.
The successful transplantation of over 50,000 baobab and indigenous tree seedlings in Madagascar’s western region has shown promising results, with a 70% survival rate after replanting. This collaborative approach, combining scientific research, community engagement, and innovative technology, is a beacon of hope for the future of Madagascar’s ancient baobab forests.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Seheno Andriantsaralaza, Tropical Ecologist in the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Université d’Antananarivo
