Illegal mining (both for gold and for semi-precious gemstones) has become a serious problem in several protected areas of northeastern Madagascar, including Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, Makira Natural Area, and Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby Protected Area.

In Makira, just south of Anjanaharibe-Sud, a mining operation with nearly 400 miners has destroyed around 60 hectares of the park, replacing pristine forest with open pits and human settlements.  Although the miners were expelled, many have returned and park management staff have been threatened.

Pression sur les forêts – Des exploitants miniers envahissent le parc de Makira

Just to the north of Marojejy, a small protected area called Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby is managed by the local community and the Makirovana Association.  Recently, community patrols discovered illegal gold mines inside the protected area and police arrested two miners.  In retaliation, a larger group of miners launched violent attacks on villages around the area, destroying 88 houses and 10 native tree nurseries and reforestation sites. 

Help Indigenous Forest Defenders Rebuild After Violent Attack – Conservation Allies