The Tapia forest in the communes of Arivonimamo-II and Miarinarivo-II in the Itasy region is to be designated a protected area. The VOI or local village communities that manage the forest face difficulties in protecting the forest from logging and destruction in various forms...

One of the distinctive features of Madagascar compared with other countries in the world is that it has large tapia forests in the Itasy region. Many species of animal live there. "Landibe" has also played a role in Malagasy culture. Mushrooms from the forest provide income for local people when they are productive during the rainy season or in summer. Tapia seeds appear to be the same. The medicinal plants of the tapia forest play a role in the health of the population.

However, the area of tapia forest has shrunk from the 1970s to the present day due to the many needs arising from the increase in population, the hardship of life and economic development. Arable land is becoming more limited than ever. Some is not - technical deficiency, drought, lack of water to produce. Reasons why Planète Urgence is acting to protect the Tapia forest in Itasy. The forest covers more than sixteen thousand hectares in total.

When the Tapia forest becomes a protected area, it is possible to prosecute and punish those who destroy and exploit the forest thanks to the law in force, as explained by Mr ANDRIANALISON Herilaza Thierry, Tapia project manager in Planète Urgence.