A rare honey with an exceptional flavour. This is yet another gift that the mangroves offer us. When mangrove trees are healthy, their flowers produce a substantial amount of honey.

In Madagascar, beekeeping provides a source of income for families, but also serves as an incentive to protect the mangroves. Since 2024, we have been working to develop this sector in Menabe. “Linking conservation efforts to tangible economic benefits is an effective strategy for motivating the community”, comments Haja Ramanantsialonina, Director of Louvain Coopération in Madagascar.

“However, in this region, beekeeping is not part of the local tradition. At first, the locals thought it was simply a matter of placing the colonies in hives and waiting for them to produce honey. The development of the beekeeping sector therefore requires sustained support.” In collaboration with the Menabe Region’s Technical Livestock Service, we have therefore produced a booklet on improved beekeeping practices.

Thirty-five people attended practical training sessions and received equipment to improve their beekeeping activities. In addition, a honey processing unit has been set up in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, with the aim of structuring the sector and improving its profitability. Today, 82 people are actively involved in beekeeping in the area as a result of these training sessions. They have already been able to sell the fruits of their harvests. 

Supporting the conservation of mangroves