Skip to content Skip to footer
TO SUPPORT US
Endrigna Ecovillage
Endrigna Ecovillage
Close

Forest defenders

Forest
defenders

Solo Martin,
forest guardian

«I realized that this forest harbors great natural wealth, and I made the decision to protect it and to act so that the wildlife living there can continue to survive.» Readmore

When did you start protecting the Endrigna forest?

Ever since we moved here to Ampangalatsary, I’ve always loved the forest but I didn’t know what I could do to protect it. As I grew older, I realized that this forest holds immense natural wealth, and I made the decision to protect it, to take action so that the wildlife living here can continue to thrive.

What are your actions to protect this forest?

As an adult, I watch over the Endrigna forest: I protect it from harmful human intentions, raise awareness, and prohibit practices that threaten it. Today, I also take part in the reforestation project led by Endrigna Ecovillage. In this mission, I am supported by my family and the villagers of Ampangalatsary. According to my mother’s cultural heritage, an Indri indri once saved our great-grandfather, and since then, we are forbidden from cutting down the Endrigna forest or harming the Indri indri that live there. That is why I cannot rest without keeping watch over the forest, to ensure it is not in danger.

What are your ambitions and vision for this forest?

I want to see this forest become green again and shelter a rich biodiversity. This forest holds great value in our lives, which is why I do everything I can to protect it. I’ve come to understand that the forest is a true treasure, and I hope future generations will be able to inherit this natural wealth.

Leave your message, Solo !

«The forest protects us humans, so let’s protect it too! Not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.»

banner-germaine

Germaine

Nirina

patrick

Seraphin

Fano

Marie Olga
endrigna@ecovillage.org
+261 38 39 993 75

Germaine

Solo’s mother

Tell the Story of the Endrigna Forest

Long ago, Solo’s great-grandfather ventured into the forest to collect honey, climbing high into the trees. But he became stranded, unable to climb down and was considered lost for an entire week.
When he finally returned to the village, he shared an extraordinary tale: an Indri indri had come to his rescue, guiding him safely back home. From that moment on, this species held a special place in his heart, and it became a sacred duty to protect the Indri indri.
The Indri indri is seen as a wise creature, and the Betsimisaraka people began calling it “Endrigna”, a name that reflects its wisdom and generosity. That’s how the forest came to be known as Endrigna, a living symbol of harmony between humans and nature.

What are your convictions about protecting this forest?

As time went by, I became deeply convinced of the importance of this biodiversity, and I passed that awareness on to my children. This biodiversity is vital, it brings us many benefits. Later, Solo began to dedicate himself to its protection and became the guardian of the Endrigna forest.

Leave your message, Grand-mother Germaine !

«It is crucial to protect this forest: we do not cut it down, and we do not harm the Indri indri. Let’s put an end to tavy and charcoal production here.»

Nirina

Solo’s wife – farmer, mother, and caregiver

What do you do for a living?

I’ve always farmed, along with other women from the village. And as a woman and mother, I take care of my family and the children in the community.

How do you support Solo in his mission to protect the forest and the Indri indri?

Solo inspired the entire village to protect the forest, and today, we stand by him in this mission. I am his wife, and I am the first to support him. And together with the other villagers, we know that this is a collective act of solidarity.
Solo needs support, he cannot do this alone : That’s solidarity.

What benefits does this forest bring you?

Many say the forest is a great natural treasure, and I truly believe that’s true. We are incredibly lucky to live so close to it. It provides us with precious biodiversity, peace, pride, and the rain we depend on. But beyond that, this forest is a legacy for our children and for generations to come, thanks to all the beneficts it offers.

Leave your message, Nirina !

«Together, let’s say no to harmful actions and stand with those who protect the forest.»

Alain Patrick

Nursery technician at Endrigna Ecovillage since 2022

Why is reforestation important in your work?

Why is reforestation important in your work?

Protecting and replanting the forest is one of the best things we can do for the environment. It brings life back—for people, animals, and plants.
The forest is a vital natural resource. Reforestation helps us adapt to climate changes—rainfall, drought—and regulate our environment.

What are your hopes at Endrigna Ecovillage?

Endrigna Ecovillage is an initiative I truly admire. I have many hopes, but first, I want future generations to understand environmental issues, so they can play their part. I’m committed to this work because I want to see Endrigna’s forest green again, like the stories of the past. That would be a great source of pride for me.

Leave your message, Patrick !

«If we reforest now, we’ll have a bright future and biodiversity will always have its place.»

Malalarison Seraphin

Assistant forest ranger and nursery technician at Endrigna Ecovillage since 2022

What do you love most about working at Endrigna Ecovillage?

What drives me is the work itself, being both a forest ranger and a nursery technician.
Like the rest of our team, I dream of seeing the forest restored, a safe haven once again for wildlife.
Our work genuinely supports the environment. Every day, we’re reminded that protecting the forest means protecting life, resources, and biodiversity.

Leave your message, Seraphin !

«Our work truly supports the environment, and every day we’re aware that protecting the forest means protecting lives, resources, and biodiversity.»

Rafanomezantsoa Solonirina

Nursery technician at Endrigna Ecovillage, son of Solo 

What are your beliefs about your role as a nursery technician?

En tant que pépiniériste, quelles sont tes convictions sur
ce travail ?

Being a nursery technician is my first real job. Over time, it has become more than a job, it’s a daily act, a contribution.
I believe that preserving and restoring the forest is a collective effort.
Together with the villagers, we work as one, because the benefits of the forest like clean water and a balanced ecosystem, are shared by all.

What are your personal goals in life?

Personally and as a father, I work hard to ensure a good education for my children.
But beyond that, I strive for a healthy, thriving environment for all.

Leave your message, Fano !

«Biodiversity needs us. If it gives us so many benefits, then let’s act on its behalf too.»

Marie Olga

Chargée de suivi des activités locales

Describe your role in the Endrigna Ecovillage project.

My role at Endrigna Ecovillage is to monitor, coordinate, and organize tasks within the local teams. Through my contribution, I strive to inspire them to work effectively.

I also ensure the quality of the products and make suggestions to improve the organization of daily activities.

What inspires you in this mission ?

What inspires me the most is working for the environment. In addition, the working environment is pleasant and peaceful. Overall, I’m passionate about all the activities in each component of the project.

What advantages do you recognize in the Endrigna forest?

The forest is a true source of life. God created it, and our existence depends on it, as does the rest of nature. Moreover, the forest provides us with the clean air we breathe: without it, life would cease to exist.

What are your ambitions for Endrigna?

I hope that Endrigna will become a well-known tourist site in Madagascar — a place that is both attractive and welcoming, where visitors come regularly, allowing the villagers to continue to grow and thrive.

Go ahead with your message, Olga!

“Let’s keep working for the environment, and keep planting trees so that the forest can be restored.”

Share your message
your encouragement matters !


Passez votre message, votre encouragement compte !