Madagascar in flames: spring fires threaten nature and people!

Madagascar in flames: spring fires threaten nature and people!

The situation in Madagascar is tense: every year the island struggles with devastating forest fires, which occur particularly after rainfall. This year, the fires started too early and the burning landscapes are spreading at an alarming rate. Experts such as Max Fontaine, the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, report a worrying trend: the fire season not only starts earlier, but also lasts longer than in previous years. This is an alarming trend that severely threatens the local population and Madagascar's unique biodiversity, as Linfo.re reports.

There have been several hot spots in the Menabe and Ankazobe regions in recent days. Citizens of the affected areas are fighting the flames every day, but progress is often inadequate. The situation is particularly tragic in national parks such as Ranomafana, where over 25 hectares of secondary forest have been irrevocably lost.

The consequences for nature and people

The effects of these fires are devastating. In 2022, more than 6.2 million hectares of land were destroyed by fire, mostly consisting of dry grass and bushes. Only two percent of the damage affected forests, which are often even protected. Beyond these worrying figures, Malagasy's forestry industry has experienced rapid decline in recent years, and it is estimated that almost 100,000 hectares of forest disappear each year. If this trend continues, none of the original eight million hectares could remain in ten years, Fontaine warns in another report by Linfo.re.

Young people in Madagascar are particularly worried about their future. They see the ongoing fires not only as a threat to the environment, but also to their livelihoods. The causes are diverse: rising costs of living, inadequate agricultural techniques and illegal deforestation are among the key factors. In addition, the devastating fires contribute to the climate crisis and drastic changes in living conditions, as WWF highlights.

Measures to fight the fires

The authorities are facing a complex challenge. Firefighting initiatives are often not sufficient. Although preparations began in February, these efforts have fallen short of expectations. There are currently only 300 forestry technicians in Madagascar to monitor an area of ​​around 8 million hectares. Max Fontaine has set himself a goal: one technician per 2,000 hectares in order to better protect the forests. This training of professionals is crucial to preserving Madagascar's valuable resources and raising awareness among the population.

In addition, Malagasy civil society is being asked to take on more responsibility. This could be done through the creation of fireproof corridors, reforestation and sustainable food planning. The Jeune Chambre Internationale Ambilobe is also committed to educating people about the negative effects of traditional fire rice cultivation methods and addressing the need for preventive measures.

A global responsibility

The devastating fires in Madagascar are not just a local disaster, they also reflect a global problem. The increase in temperatures and the changed climatic conditions are partly the result of emissions from industrialized nations. A global call to action is required: countries with historically high emissions are called upon to provide support to help affected regions and combat the consequences of climate change, as stated in an article on Temoignages.re.

It is clear that Madagascar has a responsibility to protect its unique natural resources, but the international community must also do its part to steer the course towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.