Development Ratings

Andrew Lees was considered one of the top 50 green campaigners of all time in a poll of experts by the UK’s Environment Agency. He filed more environmental complaints with the EU than any other person, group or country. Andrew died from heat stroke in Madagascar in 1994 while making a film about the potential effects of a proposed titanium mine. The Trust was set up in 1995, initially to launch an ecological training centre.

Southern Madagascar is the poorest and driest region, prone to drought and cyclone damage. Cyclone Ivan in February 2008 made 187,000 people homeless. In the south, schooling and adult education is limited by poor infrastructure and lack of services. Rural farmers are highly dependent on the forests for firewood and food resources. Languages are Malagasy & French. There are 4 additional dialects in the south.

Several other charities work in Madagascar but most are either large, small, or emphasise only religion or advocacy. Others are fundraising/grant making organisations without UK management influence, or are volunteer agencies. Madagascar is not the central focus of a handful of other charities. Astonishingly, the UK’s Department for International Development ignores Madagascar for its regular development funds.