May this day be another step towards a sustainable future for our country – MfM CEO

The text of a speech made by MfM CEO Lova Rasoalinoro, at the multi-organisation reforestation event organised and run by MfM in the Fokontany of Ambohimahatsinjo, to mark the International Day of Forests (Friday 21 March 2025).

At the event, representatives of six Malagasy NGOs, all partner organisations of MfM, whose representatives also took part, planted 600 new trees.

Ms. Rasoalinoro said:

‘Ladies and gentlemen, dear partners, dear beneficiaries,

‘It is with great joy and deep gratitude that we gather today to celebrate together the World Day of Forests, which this year has as its theme: “Forests, source of life” at the global level and “Forests, source of life and food” at the national level.

‘This means that forests play a very important role in our condition and survival, which is how they must be treated, and so, protected.

‘This day is a valuable opportunity to remember the importance of forests for our environment, our climate and especially for the communities that depend on them.

‘Last year, we marked this day with a strong commitment: to protect and restore our forests.

‘Today, we reaffirm this commitment with a concrete action: reforestation. Planting a tree means giving new life to our land, it means offering a greener future to future generations.

‘Money for Madagascar, in collaboration with its partners, works in the field of livelihoods and resilient forests.

‘Our objective is clear: to help people living around forests and protected areas to develop sustainable activities so that they are no longer forced to resort to deforestation and bush fires.

‘We know that these practices are among the greatest threats to our environment. That’s why we offer concrete and viable solutions to improve the livelihoods of local people while preserving the forests that are so precious to us.

‘The reforestation we are carrying out today is not just a symbolic gesture. It is a demonstration of our determination to act for the benefit of the environment. It is also an inspiring example for our beneficiaries and partners: together we show that protecting nature is not only possible, but essential for the sustainable development of our country.

‘Today, we plant trees, but we also plant hope. The hope of a greener Madagascar, preserved nature, sustainable agriculture and a future where the forest and man coexist in harmony.

‘To achieve this, we need the commitment of each and every one of us. We need the will of communities, the support of our partners and the mobilisation of the younger generations who will be the guardians of the forests of tomorrow.

‘I would like to warmly thank all those who participate in this initiative: in particular the NGO WtdM and its beneficiaries, our partners, the local authorities, and of course, all the volunteers present today. Your commitment is precious and your action decisive.

‘Together, let’s continue to work for a greener and more resilient Madagascar. Together, let’s make protecting our forests a priority for today and for future generations.

‘Thank you all, and may this day be another step towards a sustainable future for our country!’

To find out more about our work helping Malagasy people improve livelihoods and protect and promote Malagasy forests, click here.

For more on the reforestation event, click here.