Reforesting Madagascar: Our 20,000-Trees-Per-Year Commitment

How Comptoir Des Epices Madagascar turns every purchase into living forests and

women’s empowerment in Menabe.

How Comptoir Des Epices Madagascar turns every purchase into living forests and women’s empowerment in Menabe.

Why Reforestation in Madagascar Can’t Wait

Madagascar is a global biodiversity hotspot home to lemurs, baobabs, and plant species found nowhere else. Yet the island faces deforestation, soil erosion, and climate stress. Forests are not just trees: they’re water security, pollinator habitat, rural livelihoods, and cultural identity.That’s why Comptoir Des Epices Madagascar (CDEM) has adopted a clear, measurable pledge: plant and care for 20,000 trees per year, with a focus on resilient, native species in the Menabe region.

Our Model: Producer Merchant With Impact at Source

CDEM began as a community-driven initiative and evolved into a women-led social enterprise with a cooperative that is 70% women. We work directly with growers, prioritize ocean freight for lower-carbon exports, and invest in land restoration so value created by premium Malagasy ingredients also restores Malagasy landscapes.

The 20,000-Tree Plan (Annual Cycle)

1. Species & Site SelectionNative and locally adapted trees (including baobab and agroforestry companions) mapped to degraded plots near communities in Menabe.

2. Nursery & Community TrainingSeedling nurseries managed with women’s groups in our cooperative network. Training covers watering regimes, pest prevention, mulching, and record-keeping.

3. Planting WindowsAligned with rainy-season onset to maximize survival. Mixed planting (timber, fruit, nitrogen fixers, shade species) intercropped with staple crops for food security.

4. Monitoring & Care12–18 month aftercare replacing failed seedlings, periodic weeding/mulching, and community guard rotations. We track GPS plots, species counts, and survival rates.

5. ReportingAnnual public summary with trees planted, survival %, species mix, and community income impacts. Partners and customers receive digestible dashboards.

€1 per Baobab Powder = Direct Support to Mada Charity

For every unit of Baobab Powder sold, €1 is donated to Mada Charity our aligned nonprofit channel dedicated to:

• Reforestation & agroforestry in Menabe

• Tools & training for women producers (nursery management, bookkeeping, safety)

• Environmental education for youth and farmer groups

• Small grants to community associations for water access and seed storage

Why baobab? The baobab is an emblem of Menabe and a keystone species: it binds communities to land, stabilizes soils, and supports pollinators.

Your purchase literally helps bring baobabs back.

500 g POUDRE BAOBAB | de MADAGASCAR

€29.00

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How Your Purchase Becomes a Tree (and More)

1. Order placed → €1 earmarked to Mada Charity.

2. Quarterly transfer → funds released to local partners.

3. Seedling pathway → nursery → planting → aftercare.

4. Verification → photo & GPS sampling + survival spot checks.

5. Impact update → yearly report with KPIs (see below).

   
   

KPIs We Track (Transparency First)

• Trees planted vs target 20,000

• 12-month survival rate (% by species and site)

• Women’s participation (nursery jobs, paid planting days, leadership roles)

• Hectares restored (forest + agroforestry)

• Community income from nursery/planting work

• Education hours delivered (schools & farmer groups)

  
  

  

Want to go deeper? Ask for our Impact Dossier with plot maps, partner MOUs, and sample monitoring forms.

Menabe: Where Forests Meet Community

The Menabe region is iconic baobab avenues, dry forests, and villages whose futures are tied to healthy ecosystems. By anchoring our reforestation here, we:

• Protect emblematic baobab landscapes

• Create paid work primarily for women in our cooperative network

• Stabilize soils and microclimates that support sustainable vanilla, cacao, and spice agroforestry

  
  

Guardrails Against Greenwashing

• Reduction before offset: we prioritize ocean freight and efficient consolidation to cut transport emissions.

• Native-first planting: no monocultures; mixed native species and agroforestry designs.

• Care > counts: budgets include aftercare and replacements, not just planting days.

• Open books: annual summaries and partner audits available on request.

  
  

How Partners Can Amplify Impact

• Co-brand a plot: fund a block of 5,000–10,000 trees with your team logo on the annual map.

• Adopt a nursery: support tools, shade nets, and stipends for a women-run nursery.

• Match €1: brands can match our €1/baobab unit during launch windows for outsized impact.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reforestation only baobab?

No. We plant diverse, site-appropriate species, including baobab. Diversity builds resilience and better long-term survival.

What survival rate do you aim for?

We target ≥70% at 12 months, with re-plants budgeted where climate or grazing pressure is high.

Can I visit or get GPS data?

Yes partners can receive GPS samples, photos, and field notes.

Visits are coordinated through local teams.

How do you ensure funds reach Menabe?

Via Mada Charity disbursements tied to approved workplans, with receipts, attendance sheets, and community sign-off.

• Shop Baobab Powder (supports €1 donation)

• Read about our Women’s Cooperative (70% women)

• Request the Impact Dossier / Partner with us.