The Bezavona Forest, located in the rural communes of Marotandrano and Antanambaon'Amberina, in the Mandritsara District, Sofia Region, was recently the subject of a reconnaissance mission. This mission highlighted the forest’s critical importance and emphasized the urgency of its integration into Madagascar’s network of Protected Areas.
Habitat and Biodiversity
The Bezavona Forest is located in Madagascar’s central highlands, within the Antsiatsiaka plateau, southeast of the town of Mandritsara. It covers an area of over 12,000 hectares and features significant geological and soil diversity. Situated in Madagascar’s eastern region, the forest ranges in altitude from 750 to 1,100 meters. The topography is characterized by escarpments and steep slopes, rich in water sources. The area’s humid tropical climate, with relatively stable temperatures year-round and annual rainfall around 1,800 mm, supports high biodiversity. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, except for the relatively dry period from April to October. This stable climate, combined with altitude and geological and soil diversity, creates an environment favorable to rich plant and animal biodiversity.
During the reconnaissance mission, although brief, several rare plant species were identified, including Canarium obovatum, Eulophiella roemleriana, and Sarcolaena oblongifolia. In terms of fauna, notable species were observed, including Indri indri (Babakoto), Varecia variegata (Varikandana), Propithecus sp. (Simpona), Eulemur rubriventer (Alomena), Eulemur fulvus (Varikosy), Avahi sp. (Ampongy), and Uroplatus fimbriatus (Antohifisaka). These observations indicate a biodiversity still largely unknown to biologists; currently, the GBIF database (https://www.gbif.org/) lists no botanical collections for this area. A priority action to justify conservation investments in this forest will be to conduct a more comprehensive biological inventory.
However, urgent interventions are needed due to increasing pressure on this forest, notably from slash-and-burn agriculture and forest fires. Over the past decade, 33% of this forest has disappeared. In response, rapid action is essential to preserve this unique ecosystem. We propose, in collaboration with local stakeholders, designating this site as a new protected area within Madagascar’s Protected Area network. Management of this area will be developed based on a shared vision and consensual strategy. This initiative aims to protect biodiversity, maintain ecological goods and services, and support the well-being of local communities.”**
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Economic Sectors to Develop
Currently, the local economy relies mainly on rice cultivation and livestock farming, with some cash crops such as cloves and vanilla, although these remain marginal. The region’s mild and humid climate, however, offers many opportunities to diversify agricultural practices, promoting the development of both tropical and temperate crops. Abundant water resources, largely originating from the forest, along with diverse natural resources, fertile soils, and the mild climate, provide significant potential for establishing diversified agricultural systems. These conditions allow for the development of viable farming methods aimed at sustainably improving the living conditions of local communities.
The market for cash crops is currently thriving, with products primarily sold either at the commune center in Marotandrano or at the district center in Mandritsara. However, access to these locations is particularly difficult during the rainy season, which can hinder the transport of goods. To guide the development of these sectors, further research is needed, including consultation with local stakeholders, technical feasibility analyses of potential investments, and market studies.