Safeguard and sustainable use of Delonix velutina (EN) in Madagascar

Saving the remaining populations of Delonix velutina (EN) in the protected area of Oronjia by balancing the supply and demand for this wood

Partner: Tsimoka association, Madagascar
Years: 2020-2023

This project aims at establishing the best methods to restore the wild populations of Delonix velutina (EN), at optimizing its use and at patrolling in the areas where Delonix velutina is replanted. This project also aims at providing wood from alternative sources to local populations to limit the pressures on Delonix velutina and at raising awareness on the importance of safeguarding this species.

Delonix velutina

Delonix velutina seedlings in the tree nursery

Delonix velutina is an endemic tree species from the extreme North of Madagascar, classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN List of Threatened Species. The species is distributed in three sub-populations with one located in the protected area of Oronjia National Park. The main threat that this species faces is its unsustainable use for construction of canoes for fishing by local populations and 80% of households depend on fishing. It is therefore a very important species for the survival of the communities living around Oronjia National Park.

To safeguard this important species and to tackle the threats, previous conservation actions have attempted to enrich the forest with seedling of this species and to protect its habitat. This project aims to build upon the results achieved by previous projects by establishing the best methods to restore wild populations of Delonix velutina, to monitor these populations and patrol in the zones in which this species is replanted. This project also aims at providing wood from alternative sources to local populations to limit the pressures on Delonix velutina.