The Maharogo Gallery Forest and Watershed Restoration Project (MGFWRP) is a collaborative initiative between local communities, the Madagascar Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, Red Island Restoration (RIR), and the Accelerated Restoration Collaborative (ARC). Located within a sensitive watershed system, the project focuses on restoring and protecting the region’s vital network of gallery (riparian) forests and surrounding dry forest ecosystems—critical for water regulation, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.
At the heart of the project is a community-driven nursery based within the restoration area. This nursery will cultivate tens of thousands of seedlings each planting cycle, enabling targeted reforestation across the watershed. Species selection and planting strategies are guided by local knowledge and ecological need, ensuring long-term success and meaningful community engagement.
Fire remains a significant challenge in the region, particularly during dry seasons. MGFWRP addresses this through proactive fire prevention and management, integrating firebreak construction, low-combustion planting zones, and training local teams in early detection and containment techniques. These strategies not only protect new plantings but also strengthen the forest’s natural resilience.
Through deep community collaboration, scientific insight, and multi-stakeholder partnership, the MGFWRP promotes watershed stability, ecological restoration, and the empowerment of people living closest to the land. By restoring these connected forests, the project ensures cleaner water, healthier soils, and stronger habitats—laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.
