A Precious Treasure Under Threat
Located on Madagascar’s eastern coast, between Lake Ampitabe and the Pangalanes Canal, Vohibola Forest is one of the last remaining coastal primary forests in the country. Covering around 2,800 hectares, it holds the status of a vital ecological and cultural heritage site,home to an astonishing diversity of life, but one that is now under serious threat.
Vohibola is home to the world’s smallest frog (Stumpffia pygmaea) and the tiniest known chameleon (Brookesia minima), along with many endemic species of lemurs, reptiles, birds, orchids, and insects. The forest grows on poor, sandy soil that cannot regenerate naturally once destroyed, which makes its protection even more critical.
Although Vohibola has been classified as a protected area since 2016, deforestation continues at an alarming rate. Illegal logging, charcoal production, and unsustainable farming are causing irreversible damage. Worse still, traffickers, sometimes protected by local authorities, intimidate those who stand up to defend the forest.
For nearby communities such as the village of Andranokoditra, Vohibola is sacred. Cultural beliefs and local traditions have helped preserve parts of the forest, and grassroots organizations are actively working to protect it. Patrols, reforestation campaigns, and educational initiatives are in place. Innovative programs such as “1 tree = 1 kg of rice” help engage local residents while addressing their basic needs.
Protecting Vohibola means safeguarding a sanctuary of life and offering a future to local communities through sustainable alternatives. This fight requires the support of everyone: citizens, responsible travelers, NGOs, and authorities alike. Every action matters. Let’s act now, before it’s too late.