Nestled in Madagascar’s Moramanga district, the Kalanoro Protected Area is a stunning blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Home to a variety of endemic species, it is also deeply connected to the traditions of the local Betsimisaraka ethnic group. For this communities, Kalanoro is not only a source of food and materials but also a place of spiritual value, where sacred rituals and legends like the mythical guardian Kalanoro intertwine with daily life and traditions.
UNESCO through the Earth Network project, with the support of the Govenment of Italy, led a mission convened in June 2024, to assist the nomination process of the Kalanoro Protected Area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Organised with local partners, including ECOVISION Village and the Andasibe Town Hall, the mission aimed to boost biodiversity monitoring, improve habitat management, and promote sustainable livelihoods for the local community.
Biodiversity conservation and community needs
Kalanoro faces challenges that threaten its rich ecosystems, from habitat fragmentation and invasive species to biodiversity loss and the increasing impacts of climate change. To address these issues, experts from UNESCO, including ecological restoration specialist Mr Justin Didolanvi and biosphere reserve management expert Mr Djafarou Tiomoko from Benin, collaborated with local institutions like ECOVISION Village, the Man and Biosphere National Committee, and Andasibe Town Hall. These collaborations focused on capacity building for biodiversity monitoring and empowering local communities with sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience to climate-related changes.
A central component of the mission was a comprehensive workshop introducing local authorities, NGOs, environmental experts, and UNESCO staff to the biosphere reserve framework. Participants explored UNESCO’s biosphere reserve criteria, gaining insights into zoning techniques and conservation strategies. This workshop aimed to build the skills and knowledge needed to safeguard Kalanoro's unique environment, laying the groundwork for sustainable management and preservation efforts that will be both ecologically effective and culturally respectful.
Engaging local communities in conservation matters
Kalanoro is not just an ecological asset but also an economic lifeline and cultural touchstone for its inhabitants. The mission's experts prioritised engaging with local communities, understanding their reliance on agriculture, farming, and craft production for livelihood. Field visits allowed experts to witness daily practices and traditional rituals firsthand, with a particular focus on the community’s relationship with the land. By consulting local perspectives, the experts developed a management plan that aligns conservation goals with the community's socioeconomic aspirations.
A pivotal aspect of this approach is sustainable economic development, as exemplified by the establishment of a buffer zone within the protected area. Divided into ecotourism, strategic, and plantation areas, this buffer zone supports income-generating activities like agroforestry, ecotourism, and handicrafts, offering alternative livelihoods that alleviate pressure on the ecosystem. Women, who form about 40% of the attendees in training sessions, are particularly central to this initiative. They engage in basket weaving and other crafts using bamboo and natural resources, making them key contributors to sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation. This involvement of women not only highlights their role in the community but aligns with UNESCO’s commitments to gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Path to recognition and sustainable future
The Earth Network mission culminated in a sustainable management plan and provided crucial recommendations for Kalanoro’s application as a biosphere reserve. This designation would be a transformative step, drawing international support for conservation while empowering the community to manage their resources responsibly and profitably. The mission also paved the way for knowledge sharing across Madagascar, as site managers from Tsimembo-Manambolomaty and Makira attended workshops to gain insights and replicate the biosphere reserve approach in their regions.
The path to becoming a UNESCO biosphere reserve requires not only meeting ecological criteria but also ensuring that local communities are fully involved in and benefit from conservation efforts. Through the dedicated work of UNESCO, supported by the Earth Network, Kalanoro is poised to become a model of sustainable development, where biodiversity thrives, and communities flourish. This unique mission exemplifies how global cooperation and local engagement can foster a more sustainable future for people and nature alike.
