Emergency fund was granted to Ankarana National Park (Northern Madagascar, DIANA Region) to deploy special mixed brigades in September 2022. This contribution aimed to end the exploitation of an illegal sapphire quarry (Labandy and Bemoko) and the illegal logging (Analamahitsy) perpetrated in the vicinity of the core forest.
Increasing threats
The botanical trail was one of the main tourist attractions of Ankarana Special Reserve. Close to the national road 6, it was highly prized for its exceptional floristic wealth. However, it was ransacked following the discovery of sapphire in Ambondromifehy.
After the loss of the botanical garden, Analamahitsy forms the last bastion of primary forest sheltering woods with an interesting market value. The forest is then subject to an increase in illegal logging. The consequences are about to be irreversible.
Biodiversity and its ecosystem services at risk
The urgency is such that the block of the Ankarana limestone massif is in danger of collapsing. Worse, the underground hydrographic network is at risk and may blow up like a volcano. In addition to the imminence of these catastrophes, delinquents are physically threatening the agents of Madagascar National Parks (MNP).
A large-scale intervention was necessary to keep control of the situation.
Vital assistance of the law enforcement service
It is expected that the camp and the mixed brigade patrols (military, police, agent of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development) will calm down the hostilities towards the agents of the park. Their presence over a period of time will dissuade miners and loggers from continuing their acts.
It is hoped that this intervention will contribute to the natural regeneration of the backfilled area. A report on this situation will be written in the next newsletter.
