Communities in Madagascar are Restoring Ancient Baobab Forests with the Assistance of AI

In Madagascar, the iconic baobab trees are facing a crisis as their forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to slash-and-burn agriculture. With 4,000 hectares of baobab forest lost every year, the future of these majestic trees is in jeopardy.

Tropical ecologist Seheno Andriantsaralaza has been at the forefront of researching the seed dispersal of baobab trees in Madagascar since 2009. As the president of the Group of Specialists Passionate about Baobabs of Madagascar, she is leading efforts to save these vital trees.

Baobab trees are not only essential to the ecosystem but also hold cultural significance in Madagascar. Rural women rely on the fruit of baobab trees for income, selling them to companies for use in various products. However, the loss of large-bodied animals like giant lemurs and tortoises has disrupted the natural seed dispersal process of baobab trees.

To combat the threats facing baobab forests, Andriantsaralaza and her team have initiated the ARO Baobab Project, focusing on scientific research and community engagement. By involving local communities in sustainable harvesting and replanting efforts, they aim to restore baobab populations and their habitats.

Through the establishment of nurseries and partnerships with companies like EOS Data Analytics, which monitor forest health using artificial intelligence, significant progress has been made in reforesting baobab habitats. Women are playing a crucial role in these conservation efforts, leading the way in nurturing baobab seedlings and generating income through indigenous plant cultivation.

With dedicated efforts and community involvement, there is hope for the survival and revival of Madagascar’s baobab forests, ensuring the preservation of these iconic trees for future generations.