Félix Ratelolahy recounts the lessons he’s learned in restoring the country to its former ‘Green Island’ glory.
I grew up on the east coast of Madagascar. My parents were farmers, living and working in the bush, using the natural resources of the land for their livelihood. When I was young I wanted to be a doctor – my friends and I were always playing doctors and hospitals, but a love of conservation and a deep respect for the forest have always been in my blood.
When I was around 4 years old I remember being distraught because an area of the forest where we lived had been cut down. My older brother explained that parts of the forest needed to be cleared to make space for growing food, but I was desperate to protect it. My passion to conserve the forest perhaps springs from that moment.
I went to university in western Madagascar to study medicine, but the selection process was tough. I’d chosen natural sciences as my second option, but looking back now, I am happy to say that was what I ended up studying. I knew, deep down, that my place was in conservation. I’ve been working as a conservationist for 19 years now and in Madagascar’s Makira Natural Park since 2007. Here, Trillion Trees partner Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is working to restore valuable rainforest.
Days in the life of Madagascar’s magnificent Makira forest
I grew up on the east coast of Madagascar. My parents were farmers, living and working in the bush, using the natural resources of the land for their livelihood. When I was young I wanted to be a doctor – my friends and I were always playing doctors and hospitals, but a love of conservation and a deep respect for the forest have always been in my blood.
When I was around 4 years old I remember being distraught because an area of the forest where we lived had been cut down. My older brother explained that parts of the forest needed to be cleared to make space for growing food, but I was desperate to protect it. My passion to conserve the forest perhaps springs from that moment.
I went to university in western Madagascar to study medicine, but the selection process was tough. I’d chosen natural sciences as my second option, but looking back now, I am happy to say that was what I ended up studying. I knew, deep down, that my place was in conservation. I’ve been working as a conservationist for 19 years now and in Madagascar’s Makira Natural Park since 2007. Here, Trillion Trees partner Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is working to restore valuable rainforest.
Days in the life of Madagascar’s magnificent Makira forest