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PRESENTATION
L’HOMME ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT
Madagascar is considered to be a world priority in terms of the preservation of
biodiversity.
After observation of the dramatic damage caused by deforestation, L’Homme et
l’Environnement (Man And the Environment) was established in Madagascar in 1994
by Olivier BEHRA, a world crocodile expert, in collaboration with Malagasy
colleagues. It was recognized as an NGO in 1997. 2X employees, all Malagasy except
for two, are based in the capital, Antananarivo, or work on one of the seven sites.
Local community leaders, which collaborate on projects, have also been the NGO’s
partners for many years. The NGO is convinced that there are many opportunities to
involve local communities in programs that would benefit their development, and
help preserve biodiversity at the same time.
L’Homme et l’Environnement coordinates different programmes with the following
objectives:
ð Conservation and reforestation
ð Research and development to increase the value of medicinal and aromatic
plants and forest products
ð Promotion of improved agricultural techniques, which do not harm the
environment
ð Environmental education
L’Homme et l’Environnement works to develop and support projects that improve
the living conditions of local populations, while preserving the biodiversity and the
quality of their environment. L’Homme et L’Environnement was given a 10-year
management contract by the Malagasy government for two natural reserves in the
eastern part of the island. The Natural Experimental Reserve of Vohimana is made
up of primary forest, and the NGO works with the forestry control administration to
control the traffic in wood, a major problem in this region. We demonstrate that in
many areas of Madagascar, the value of natural resources could be enhanced,
bringing benefits for local communities, which could generate their interests to stop
habitat destruction.

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In 2010, National Geographic said “Behra's efforts represent an enlightened, if
localized, solution to Madagascar's resource dilemma: Promote the immediate
benefits of a vital forest to villagers."
BEHRA was asked to speak at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2013 to make the case
that the exploitation of natural reserves will lead to a preservation of biodiversity.
L’HOMME ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT’s work is based on the principles delineated in
the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 1992:
1. conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity);
2. sustainable use of its components
3. fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources
The association l’Homme et l’Environnement is located in the Alsace region of
France. The association promotes and supports the NGO in Madagascar by piloting
projects, assuring financial transparency and through fund-raising activities.
H&E is a French association supporting an NGO in Madagascar. Our goal is the
preservation of the biodiversity in this country, where 80% of the fauna and
flora are endemic. Certain species of lizards and orchids, and most lemurs, only
exist in Madagascar. We assist local populations