MADAGASCAR: facing massive deforestation, Airtel plants 1,000 trees in Ambohidava

In 2024, Ambohidava Ambatolampy Tsimahafotsy in western Madagascar has been chosen by Airtel for its annual reforestation campaign. The subsidiary of the Indian telecommunications operator recently mobilized 200 employees and civil society to plant 1,000 trees in this locality. The aim was to help the town’s 3,500 inhabitants cope with global warming, particularly drought.

“By planting trees, we are sowing the seeds of a greener, more prosperous and sustainable future for the whole of Madagascar,” asserts Anne Cathérine Tchokonte. Protecting nature seems to be the priority in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the woman who was appointed Managing Director of Airtel Madagacar just a few weeks ago.

This eco-responsible operation puts the spotlight back on the massive deforestation the island has been facing for over five years. Indeed, Madagascar lost 510,000 hectares of forest in 2017 alone, representing 6% of its forest cover. In fact, it’s the 4^th most deforested country in the world, according to rankings by global forest monitoring platform Global Forest Watch.

In a context where local populations cut wood for energy, construction and food, Airtel’s 1,000 seedlings aim to support the national reforestation program (60 million trees per year) piloted by the government of this East African country. Such actions are in line with the United Nations’ 15^th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG15), as they help combat the erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Cover photo: By AFRIK21