Association Famelona is a leading Malagasy organisation managing the Ampasindava-Antanibe Andrefa and Galoko-Kalobinono protected areas since they were established in 2013. Founded to advance applied biodiversity research and nurture the next generation of local conservation leaders, Famelona combines scientific expertise with deep community engagement to deliver sustainable landscape management.

Working across the Sambirano Domain in northwestern Madagascar, an economic hub whose prosperity is rooted in its natural riches. These rare lowland rainforests, coastal mangroves and productive marine systems support exceptional biodiversity and underpin local livelihoods, yet face growing pressure from unsustainable resource use and limited local capacity within isolated communities.

Famelona’s approach centers communities as co-managers of their territories and strengthens local leadership through participatory governance, patrols, ecological monitoring and restoration. By integrating scientific research, local knowledge and deep community trust, Famelona is building resilient governance systems that safeguard ecosystems while advancing economic opportunity.