Madagascar: A healthy future for future generations

One thousand five hundred young fruit trees were planted by the Association of DHEA or Association of Graduates in Higher Studies in Administration in a penitentiary land in Tsiafahy on March 22, 2024. Seeds of vegetables, cassava, and bags of fertilizer were provided during this reforestation project for the year 2024.

This year, the DHEA association has adopted the motto: “Together, let’s commit to a greener and more solidarity environment in the face of climate change.” This initiative of the association is part of environmental protection, as well as community awareness of the importance of preserving a healthy environment.

According to the president of the DHEA association, Andriamahafaly Rado Ramanantsoa: “We firmly believe that this project will have a positive impact on the environment, contributing to the fight against deforestation and promoting the local production of fruits and vegetables to provide balanced meals to inmates and improve the quality of food in correctional facilities.” This reforestation project is actually a partnership between the DHEA association, the Ministry of Justice, and the General Directorate of Prison Administration. Consequently, incarcerated individuals will benefit from the planted fruits and vegetables.

Respectable Occupation

The reforestation project can also have a positive impact on food resource management and autonomy in correctional facilities, continues the association’s president. Food and food products were provided to inmates in Tsiafahy by this association. Additionally, their project aims to offer an opportunity for these prisoners to train in a respectable profession and develop their professional skills that can help them find employment upon release from prison.

Their project does not stop at the level of plantations. The association will take care of protecting and maintaining the planted areas, such as monitoring tree growth, maintaining reforestation areas, fire protection, and community awareness of forest and food crop preservation.

Mialisoa Ida