New Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby Protected Area represents one of Madagascar’s first major protected-area declarations in a decade

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar – The Government of Madagascar has designated  65,858 acres of montane rainforest and surrounding community lands as the Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby Protected Area (TAPA), marking a significant advance for community-led conservation and the country’s efforts to protect its globally important biodiversity.

Officially declared on June 15, 2026, the site has been classified as a Paysage Harmonieux Protégé, or Harmonious Protected Landscape, equivalent to Category V under the International Union for Conservation of Nature protected-area system. This designation recognizes landscapes where the long-term interaction between people and nature has created significant ecological, cultural and scenic value.

The designation is the result of a long-term collaboration among Madagasikara Voakajy, SADABE and Rainforest Trust, working alongside the Government of Madagascar and local communities to secure lasting protection for the Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby landscape.

“This is the first major declaration of new protected areas in Madagascar since 2015,” said James Lewis, Vice President of Conservation at Rainforest Trust. “It is a strong demonstration of the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s protected-area network and advancing progress toward the global 30×30 target in a country renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and global importance for conservation.”

The Tsinjoarivo region contains high-altitude rainforest that provides important habitat for Madagascar’s unique wildlife including the Critically Endangered Sibree’s Dwarf Lemur, Diademed Sifaka, and Ruffed Lemur while supporting communities that depend on the surrounding landscape. The protected-landscape designation is intended to conserve this habitat while recognizing the role of local communities in managing natural resources and shaping the area’s future.

“The official designation of the Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby Protected Area represents an important milestone in Madagascar’s ongoing commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity while recognising the essential role of local communities in conservation,” said Julie Hanta Razafimanahaka, Executive Director, Madagasikara Voakajy.” Through our collaboration with SADABE, Rainforest Trust, government institutions, and local stakeholders, Madagasikara Voakajy contributed to the biodiversity assessments that supported this protected area creation process. This achievement demonstrates that lasting conservation can only be achieved through collective action. Together, we can ensure the protection of Madagascar’s exceptional natural heritage while supporting sustainable relationships between people and nature.”

The designation follows years of collaboration among government agencies, conservation organizations and local communities. As a Harmonious Protected Landscape, Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby will support both biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources, with management approaches designed to reflect local needs, knowledge and priorities.

“The issuance of the Definitive Protection Decree for the Tsinjoarivo Ambalaomby Protected Area marks a historic achievement for conservation in Madagascar and for the communities who have worked tirelessly to protect this remarkable landscape,” said Jean-Luc Raharison, Executive Director of SADABE. “We sincerely thank the Government of Madagascar for its leadership in securing the permanent legal protection of TAPA. We are deeply grateful to Rainforest Trust and the Rasmussen Family Foundation for their steadfast support throughout this journey, and we recognize the outstanding leadership of Madagasikara Voakajy in guiding the protected area establishment process. Above all, this success belongs to the local communities whose commitment has made long-term conservation possible. SADABE remains fully dedicated to working alongside all our partners to ensure that TAPA is effectively managed for the benefit of biodiversity and future generations.”

The declaration comes as Madagascar works to advance its contribution to the global goal of conserving at least 30% of the planet’s land and waters by 2030. Formal protection of Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby provides a foundation for long-term management, community engagement and continued conservation of one of Madagascar’s distinctive montane landscapes.

About Rainforest Trust

Since 1988, Rainforest Trust has been working with partners to safeguard imperiled tropical habitats and threatened species by helping to establish protected and conserved areas in partnership with Indigenous and local organizations and communities. To date, Rainforest Trust has helped protect more than 68 million acres of vital habitat across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Rainforest Trust is a nonprofit organization that relies upon the generous support of the public to successfully implement its important conservation action. The organization is proud of earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

About Madagasikara Voakajy

Madagasikara Voakajy (MV) is a Malagasy non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. Founded in 2005 by a group of passionate young researchers, MV works closely with local communities to conduct research and implement conservation actions across the country. Today, the organisation manages seven protected areas and has contributed to the conservation of iconic species such as the Endangered Golden Mantella frog, the Endangered Renala (aka Grandidier’s baobab), and several lemur species. MV currently works across more than 247,100 acres of landscapes and habitats throughout Madagascar.

About SADABE

SADABE is a Madagascar-based nongovernmental organization working to promote the coexistence of people and wildlife in the Tsinjoarivo region of eastern Madagascar. Founded by scientists working in the region and registered in Madagascar in 2009, SADABE combines biodiversity research, conservation, environmental education and sustainable development initiatives to protect Tsinjoarivo’s forests and wildlife while supporting the health and well-being of local communities. The organization takes its name from the Malagasy name for the Diademed Sifaka, one of the region’s most distinctive and critically threatened lemur species.

For media inquiries:

Rainforest Trust, Brynn Garner, brynn.garner@rainforesttrust.org

Madagasikara Voakajy, Lauréa Samoelah, communications@voakajy.mg