About the association
Ny Harena
The association was created in May 2024, with the main objective of preserving Malagasy nature. Its Malagasy name "Ny Harena" refers to everything that is considered precious, and can also evoke the idea of wealth or well-being that one seeks to preserve or pass on to future generations.
Yet known worldwide on the list of the poorest countries, Madagascar is endowed with considerable natural resources and unparalleled biodiversity, not to mention its cultural diversity. Forest ecosystems play a fundamental role in the conservation of biodiversity, as they are home to a large number of plant and animal species. In addition, forests contribute to climate regulation, soil protection and the conservation of water resources. The vision of the Ny Harena association is therefore to highlight Madagascar's natural wealth, and to act to preserve its biological resources in collaboration with local communities and in particular by involving future generations.
Our story
The genesis of Ny harena has its roots in Madagascar. All the founding members of the association have a special connection with the red island: country of birth, residence, or country of the heart. The feeling of responsibility and the deep desire for commitment was expressed to each of us, faced with the observation of deforestation. The island has lost 44% of its natural forests since the 1950s and the rate of deforestation is accelerating. The drivers of deforestation are multiple in a context of demographic growth: exploitation of plots for family farming, extraction of wood for the supply of charcoal and construction timber, forest fires... With 90% of endemic species, it is a unique biodiversity that is threatened with extinction. The challenge for the Big Island is to reconcile the preservation of its natural heritage and the fight against poverty. A major challenge that requires actions carried out on several fronts.
Ny Harena was thus created, and proposes to respond to this challenge by acting on different levels. The association focuses its work on the preservation and restoration of forest plots, but also wishes to develop environmental education projects with local schools as well as promote community forest management programs, and propose community ecotourism initiatives to generate income from forest conservation, encouraging communities to protect their environment.
Who are we ?
Mahavonjy Brevia
President (Naturalist guide)
Born in Madagascar, I grew up in a small village in the south-west of the island and worked as a tour guide in a botanical reserve from 2010 to 2017. The Malagasy dry forest is a treasure of biodiversity that I have had the chance to see for years. The alarming and ever faster decline of Madagascar’s forests is the same throughout the island, leading to a reduction in the habitats of animal species linked to these ecosystems. Deeply motivated by a duty of responsibility, Ny Harena tries to bring hope and takes part in the actions for nature protection.
Giraud Lea
Secretary (ecologist)
My knowledge of malagasy biodiversity, and my interest in the malagasy cultural richness, have developed through multiple trips and volunteer involvement with environmental NGOs.
Madagascar became my beloved country, I have a deep desire for commitment to the Malagasy people and the biodiversity of the island.
Through the actions that Ny Harena association can undertake, I hope to see projects that make sense, integrating the needs of local communities invested in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage.
Julia Caumes
Treasurer (Care assistant)
I was born in Madagascar, and grew up in the south-east of the island, where I enjoyed the beauty and richness of my country’s flora and fauna.
Being very attached to human contact, my professional career has turned to human relations. I have been able to work as a social worker and with children and women in different communities. Through these experiences, I was able to see that human well-being is closely linked to the balance maintained between nature and man: "let us take care of our planet and it will take care of us".
Razanadrahery Mariette
Administrator and representative of the association in Madagascar
Young retired woman living in Mangily, a coastal village in the south-west of Madagascar, I have a special relationship with the nature that surrounds me. In my daily life, I use elements from the forest and measure all the wealth it holds. The forest provides us with food, heating and timber. Plants, roots, bark and flowers are also remedies for all the ills of everyday life. I learned from my childhood to recognize all plants and their usefulness for men. My knowledge of local customs and traditions will guide the association’s actions.
Tsilevo Herindrainy Philemon
Administrator (tour guide)
Currently naturalist guide of the South West region of Madagascar, I wish to invest myself in the missions carried by Ny Harena in the preservation of our beautiful nature. The wealth of our country is largely based on the extraordinary biodiversity that can be found on its land. If future generations are fully aware of the treasure that surrounds them, and the interest in preserving it, then Malagasy people will be able to face the ecological challenges that impose on them with pride.