90% of Madagascar’s forests have been destroyed through
slash-and-burn. When practiced in
non-sustainable ways (for agriculture, zebu cattle grazing and
to make charcoal), this method
results in soil exhaustion, erosion and, ultimately, land that can
no longer grow crops or trees.
With the extreme loss of habitat, many of the native species (not
found anywhere else in the world)
are now endangered and face extinction. Deforestation
contributes to drought, desertification and
global warming. Run off and rising temperatures also harm
water resources, fish and coral. Illegal
logging of precious endemic woods and poaching (even from
the 4% of “protected areas”) is fueled
by poverty, corruption and international demand. Since around
1 million people in this country are now currently in need of
emergency food assistance, researchers, scientists and Malagasy
conservationists
feel education on these issues (both in Madagascar & abroad) is
the key to change.
I am a photographer with a background in social work. I use my pen and camera as grassroots tools to help raise awareness for underserved populations.
