USAID’s Environmental Program in MadagascarA 25 year Retrospective

A presentation to the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group Karen Freudenberger20 July 2010

A hectare of forest lost in Madagascar has a greater negative impact on global biodiversity than a hectare

of forest lost virtually anywhere else on earth.

U.S. Forest Service

In 1984 USAID opened its mission in Madagascar and launched a prolonged

and strategic effort to protect Madagascar’s vanishing biodiversity

and the forest resources on which that biodiversity depends.

From 1975 to 1985, Madagascar’s forests were cut at a rate of

~ 400,000 ha per year.

In spite of efforts by USAID and other donors, since 1990, Madagascar ... and the world ... have lost

nearly two million priceless forest hectares.

Today, she has about 9 million ha of forest and 20 million people.

Just 15 years ago, Madagascar had 11 million ha of forest and 11 million people.

I am no objective reporter, no outsider throwing stones at those doing battle in the ring.

Like many of you, I was an engaged participant in the programs described here.

My observations and critiques come with no hint of omniscience ... only with sadness at the limits of our determined efforts.

Let us together step back to assess our collective accomplishments and shortcomings and to consider what these imply for future interventions in Madagascar ... and

for the environment and people we hold dear.

“Slash and Burn”

by

Razia Said

from her 2010 album

Zebu Nation