2013 reforestation project – report
Click Here for a full report on this vital project we are supporting
The reforesting efforts of Pere Emeric and his team at Tanjomoha started in 2006 and escalated in the aftermath of the devastation from Cyclone Hubert in early 2010. The widespread deforestation in Madagascar is increasingly making wood a scarce commodity in the region. Grasping the economic consequences of this reality, and utilizing the knowledge it gained from its reforestation work, Tanjomoha decided to undertake a commercial forestry project to create a long term source of revenue for its operations.
Trees of Love – An Inspirational Project
Nearly two years ago, three hectares of land were planted with thousands of Eucalyptus trees in a small scale commercial forestry operation. Through this pilot project the Home furthered its knowledge of the best methods, labour and material needs, potential problems, and costs involved in the start-up of a commercial forestry operation. With the help of TASC Madagascar as the main financial supporter, a large scale forestry project started in the spring of 2012.
The Home consulted a key forestry technician employed by the Diocese of Farafangana and also the director of the Silo National des Graines Forestières (the agency responsible for the management of seed resources for reforestation in Madagascar) to increase its technical knowledge of forestry management. It also consulted local manufacturers and vendors to obtain an understanding of the business aspects of forestry management and regional marketing opportunities for wood.
Nearly two years ago, three hectares of land were planted with thousands of Eucalyptus trees in a small scale commercial forestry operation. Through this pilot project the Home furthered its knowledge of the best methods, labour and material needs, potential problems, and costs involved in the start-up of a commercial forestry operation. With the help of TASC Madagascar as the main financial supporter, a large scale forestry project started in the spring of 2012.
The Aim
The key objective of the forestry project is to help move the Children’s Home at Tanjomoha toward long term financial self-sufficiency. Through the forestry project it aims to create a self-sustaining source of income that will cover at least 50% of its ongoing operational costs (nearly €400,000pa). A secondary objective of the project is to model sustainable land management and counter desertification in its region of Madagascar.
The Project
Tanjomoha will eventually plant a total of 120 hectares of land with trees to sell as lumber for its forestry project. Land is readily available for purchase in the Vohipeno area and labourers are anxious for work.
They will grow five different kinds of trees for sale as lumber. The five types of wood vary in their usage for construction and joinery. By growing a variety of trees the Home at Tanjomoha will help ensure its lumber is very marketable, and it will also help protect its overall stock of trees from disease.
The different tree types also grow at varying speeds, which will stagger the times when they are ready for cutting and when their wood will be available for sale, helping to even out the revenue flow of the project.
TASC Madagascar is very keen to support this project over the next 20 years. To do so we need regular income, and we are asking for support through monthly donations of £5 each month. If you are able to help please go to our Donate Online page on the website, or fill in and print the Banker’s Order below.