Madagascar on flames: Spring fire threaten nature and people!

Madagascar on flames: Spring fire threaten nature and people!

The Situation is tense on Madagascar: Every year the island fights with devastating forest fires, which occur particularly after the rainfall. This year it started with the fire too early, and the burning landscapes spread at an alarming pace. Experts such as Max Fontaine, the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, report on a worrying tendency: the fire season not only begins earlier, but also lasts longer than in previous years. This is an alarming trend that strongly threatens the local population and the unique biodiversity of Madagascar, such as linfo.re reported.

In the Menabe and Ankazobe regions, there have been several foci in the past few days. The citizens of the affected areas defend themselves against the flames every day, but progress is often inadequate. The situation in the national parks, such as the Ranomafana, is particularly tragic, where over 25 hectares of secondary forest was irrevocably lost.

The consequences for nature and people

The effects of these fires are devastating. In 2022, more than 6.2 million hectares were destroyed by fire, mostly consisting of dry grass and bushes. Only two percent of the damage concerned forests, which are often even protected. In addition to these worrying figures, the Malagass Forestry has experienced a rapid decline in recent years, and it is estimated that almost 100,000 hectares of forest disappear annually. If this trend continues, none of the eight million hectares originally remained in ten years, Fontaine warns in another report by Linfo.re.

Especially the young people in Madagascar are worried about their future. They see not only a threat to the environment in the constant fires, but also for their livelihood. The causes are diverse: among other things, rising living costs, insufficient agricultural techniques and illegal deforestation are decisive. In addition, the devastating fires contribute to the climate crisis and drastic changes in living conditions, such as wwf.

measures to combat the fires

The authorities face a complex challenge. The fire fighting initiatives are often not sufficient. Although preparations were started in February, these efforts remain behind the expectations. At the moment, only 300 forest technicians are available in Madagascar to monitor an area of ​​around 8 million hectares. Max Fontaine has set a goal: one technician per 2,000 hectares to be able to better protect the forests. This training of specialists is crucial to preserve the valuable resources of Madagascar and to sensitize the population.

In addition, the Malagassian civil society demands more responsibility. This could be done by creating fire -proof corridors, reforestation and sustainable nutritional planning. The Jeune Chambre International Ambilobe is also committed to clarifying people about the negative effects of traditional fire -based methods and addresses the need for preventive measures.

a global responsibility

The devastating fires on Madagascar are not only a local disaster, they also reflect a global problem. The increase in temperatures and the changed climatic conditions are sometimes the result of emissions of industrialized nations. A global call for action is required: Countries with historically high emissions are asked to provide support in order to help the affected regions and to combat the consequences of climate change, as in an article Temoignages.re is indicated.

It is clear that Madagascar is responsible for protecting its unique natural treasures, but the international community also has to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.