Communities restore forests in Kenya, Madagascar, and Senegal
From September to October 2026, local communities in Kenya, Madagascar, and Senegal restored significant forest areas. In Kenya, 68 hectares of Dundori Forest were restored, benefiting over 1,000 households. Madagascar's Ambohitantely Reserve saw 42 hectares restored, while Senegal engaged six communes in forest protection efforts.
Between September and October 2026, communities across Africa worked to restore and protect several forest areas, an effort that supported both the environment and local livelihoods. In Kenya, the restoration of 68 hectares within Dundori Forest involved more than 1,000 households, who benefited from new income-generating activities. The project highlights how local participation can help protect biodiversity while tackling environmental issues.
These Kenyan restoration efforts were supported by the French Development Agency (AFD). According to the agency, local residents were directly involved in preparing the sites, planting, and caring for the young trees. This direct participation helps build a sense of connection to the land and provides the community with financial benefits tied to the project's success.
In Madagascar, work focused on the Ambohitantely Special Reserve, where 42 hectares were restored through a mix of new planting and assisted natural regeneration. Madagascar National Parks management noted that 17,000 plants from 48 species were introduced, with a success rate exceeding 90%. The local community's role was substantial, with more than 9,300 workdays recorded during the initiative.
Meanwhile, in Senegal, six communes in the Ziguigchor region worked together to protect the intercommunal classified forest of Tendouck. Their work included reforestation and enrichment planting, alongside the upkeep of firebreaks to help prevent wildfires. The Senegalese Agency for Reforestation and the Great Green Wall (ASERGMV) pointed to the increasing role of local people in these projects as a key factor in managing forests sustainably.
These projects illustrate the way local communities contribute to conservation while supporting their own livelihoods. Using methods such as assisted natural regeneration reflects a shift toward sustainable and cost-effective practices. The ongoing engagement of these communities suggests that expanding such initiatives could bring wider environmental and economic benefits to the region.
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