As a tropical island nation, Madagascar has a rich and diverse foundation of plants, trees, and animals. However, the natural environment has been depleted over the years to the point where desertification threatens Madagascar's future.

Through ERI, DAI supports the third phase of the National Environment Action Plan. The program's goal is to create in Madagascar an innovative form of ecoregional conservation and development that contributes to national goals articulated in the "Madagascar Naturellement" vision, the "Madagascar Action Plan," and other government policy documents. Working in close concert with partners of the Ecoregional Alliance, USAID and DAI are working to construct a foundation for responsible management of the New Protected Areas that leads to improved economic welfare for the people living near the forest corridors of the Fianarantsoa and Toamasina provinces, as well as citizens throughout the country.

To see a 10-minute video on the ERI program's work in biofuels and carbon emissions reduction, click here.