"We were able to be heard and share our perspectives.”
This is what stood out to Mr. Razanadahy Bonaventure Thomas, President of the Toteny Tanosy association, after the #Demand4Restoration workshop in Fort-Dauphin on February 11, 2026. The objective: to create space for dialogue.
Restoring a forest is not limited to planting trees.
INDRI and TBSE organized a workshop on February 11, 2026 in Fort-Dauphin, as part of the #Demand4Restoration ( #D4R ) project. 38 stakeholders from the Anôsy region met to discuss local needs in terms of forest restoration.
“Without reliable #data, reforestation is guesswork.”
Dr Thio Rosin Fulgence, coordinator of #Demand4Restoration, reminds us that solid #databases are key to effective, sustainable #restoration.
One of #D4R,’s goals is to understand what makes restoration projects succeed or fail.
🌳 In Antalaha, restoration solutions grow from the ground up 🌱
On Dec 18, 2025, the #Demand4Restoration project gathered local communities, scientists, and institutions to discuss how to make forest restoration in Madagascar more effective and inclusive.
#Madagascar #Restoration #Ecology #D4R
What makes forest restoration truly work? That’s the goal of the Demand4Restoration (D4R) project in Madagascar.
Understanding real needs, local conditions & actors before planting.
Using science & data to guide future restoration.
The field data collection is complete. Next step: in-depth analysis
View on the east side of the Ambanitaza restoration site
Image of the landscape in Ambatomironkona
View of Antanambao John restoration site
View of the Macolline Antalaha, from the north
Planting is not enough. 🌳
Among the key factors that determine the success of #restoration projects are:
✅ Clear land rights
✅ Genuine involvement of local communities.
This is the conclusion reached by the #D4R teams in the #SAVA region, based on a study of 7 sites.
🌳Since June 2025, #D4R teams have been travelling across SAVA, Boeny and soon Anosy.
🌱They are assessing the fauna, flora, soils and socio-economic impacts of reforestation to understand its successes and limitations.
👉In the long run, the objective is to develop a national restoration guide.
One goal of #D4R: test if aligning restoration with local demand improves social + ecological outcomes.
Tropical Biodiversity & Social Enterprise (TBSE) is helping put this into practice — planting 4M native trees with 14 local community associations in Anosy, Madagascar.
Picture of participatory mapping workshop with land use cards in the foreground
Our Demand4Restoration fieldwork is in full swing!
Nancy Rabenantoandro is conducting participatory mapping to assess where people have demand for what kind of restoration.
Demand4Restoration is tackling a critical challenge: ensuring that ecological restoration efforts truly align with the needs and aspirations of local communities—so they are embraced, sustained, and deliver lasting impact. Together, we're building a sustainable future! #EcologicalRestoration
Project members on BlueSky are: @estelle-ravel.bsky.social & @dominic-martin.bsky.social
Group photo of project members
Restoration site with newly planted trees
We are the Demand4Restoration project - a group of scientists and practitioners studying how restoration in #Madagascar can become more effective for people and nature.
Follow us for updates on our transdisciplinary research over the coming years!
More info: data.snf.ch/grants/grant...