It has been found that 90% of Malagasy households still use charcoal and firewood for cooking. This practice leads to accelerated deforestation in the areas concerned.

 

According to current data, charcoal represents a booming sector of activity, with an annual use of 7 million cubic meters in our country. In addition, firewood accounts for a significant share of the market, with a demand of 21 million cubic meters, mainly satisfied by rural residents. This demand is particularly high. This situation has harmful repercussions on the environment and public health. Forest fires exacerbate the problem. The gradual loss of forests, caused by intensive exploitation for energy production, is one of the main factors behind climate change. This situation has repercussions on agriculture, livestock farming and fishing, impacting production.

Farmers from Filamatra Soa Iombonana or FISOI in the commune of Mahitsy and SOAMITSINJO in Antanetibe Mahazaza, both in the Ambohidratrimo district, have realized the importance of protecting the environment. They led a major environmental initiative by collectively planting trees on members' land on March 6 and 7, 2025. For FISOI specifically, the planting took place on March 7 in Fokontany Bejofo, in the commune of Mahitsy. 90% of the population are farmers who use firewood as fuel. This initiative is part of a reforestation program supported by the FFF FAO in collaboration with the SOA Network.

Message from the Bishops at the end of the Pilgrimage

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, You who have come in such large numbers to take part in this national pilgrimage, as well as all of you who are following it from home through the media. We, the bishops of Madagascar, would like to express our deep gratitude to you for having responded to our invitation and for having brought this jubilee initiated by Pope Francis to life spiritually. With you, we take up Mary's song: ‘My soul exalts the Lord’ and we repeat with her: ‘What shall I repay the Lord for all the good he has done me?’....

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Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

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Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

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