NEW CENTRE SINCE AUTUMN 2010

Morombe, a town with 20 000 inhabitants on the south-western coast of Madagascar, used to be a thriving commercial town in earlier times, exporting all kinds of agricultural produce. Nowadays a lot of its inhabitants move to other regions because opportunities to generate income have become rare.

Apart from the economical decline there are other serious problems in the Morombe region.  The most beautiful and most special baobas to be found on the island and the mangrove forests, which are so important for the natural balance, are threatened. This also holds true for the world-renowned reef on the coast.

But inspite of these current problems the region has a tremendous development potential, especially in the cultivation of rice; provided the irrigation plants are maintained properly. ADES decided to join forces with Père George Zehnder, a Swiss who has lived and worked in this area for over 25 years, to improve the situation of the local population and protect the endangered environment.

The distribution of solar cookers and energy saving ovens is ADES’ highly valuable contribution to the protection of the forests with simple means. At the same time soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity can be prevented in the Morombe region. All three are requirements for the sustainable cultivation of rice and other food products, in other words, for an effective prevention of hunger and poverty.

The diocese runs a local radio station and broadcasts programmes to awaken people’s awareness of the problems caused to the environment by deforestation. They also advocate the advantages of solar cooking for humans as well as for the environment. These radio programmes do not entail any costs for ADES but obviously are a great asset.

Your donation means direct support for families in Morombe and indirect support for the protection of the unique natural wonders of the Morombe area.