Madagascar’s Eastern Rainforests Triumph: Removed from UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” List

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana, one of Madagascar’s most treasured natural wonders, have been officially removed from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, marking a major victory for conservation in the country.

First inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007 for their extraordinary biodiversity, the six rainforest sites of the Atsinanana are home to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, including iconic lemur species. But years of illegal logging, deforestation, and trafficking of precious woods pushed the fragile ecosystem onto the endangered list in 2010.

Now, after more than a decade of ambitious reforms and community-led efforts, UNESCO has recognized Madagascar’s progress. Authorities, with the support of international partners, have enforced bans on rosewood and ebony logging, deployed satellite surveillance and local patrols, and implemented robust management plans. The results are striking: 63% of lost forest cover has been restored, illegal timber trafficking has been curbed, and lemur poaching has dropped to its lowest level in a decade.

“This is not just a conservation success story, but a testament to what is possible when government, local communities, and the international community work together,” UNESCO officials said.

For Madagascar, this recognition is both symbolic and practical. It highlights the country’s role as a global biodiversity hotspot and reinforces the importance of safeguarding its forests — not only as natural heritage, but also as a vital source of ecological resilience and sustainable development.

As Madagascar continues to balance environmental protection with the pressures of economic growth, the recovery of the Atsinanana Rainforests stands as a hopeful model: a reminder that even ecosystems on the brink can be revived with sustained commitment.

source: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/madagascars-rainforests-atsinanana-removed-unesco-list-world-heritage-danger