Green Class 2010 - Andasibe

The NGO Jeunes Actifs pour le Développement (JADE) organized a Green Class on December 18 and 19, 2010 at Andasibe National Park to celebrate the year of biodiversity and promote environmental education. The excursion aimed to raise young students' awareness of the need to conserve biodiversity and to show the NGO's commitment to the environmental sector. The main objective of the expedition was to allow young people to better understand the richness of biodiversity and to become aware of their responsibility as heirs to these living treasures.

Andasibe is located 140 km from the capital, Antananarivo, and about 240 km from the city of Toamasina, accessible via National Road 2. The park is characterized by its humid tropical climate, with four different seasons, which gives it great richness in terms of endemic fauna and flora. The park is home to rare and unique animal species, such as lemurs, reptiles, birds and amphibians. The most popular lemur species is the BABAKOTO, the largest living lemur in the world.

Monday, December 18, 2010 was marked by departure from the city of Toamasina, setting up camp, and a film screening in the evening. Unfortunately, the departure was delayed due to insurance issues and a car breakdown, forcing the team of 9 students and 5 JADE supervisors to finish the journey on foot over a distance of 6 km.

The second day of our excursion into the Malagasy tropical forest was incredibly enriching, full of discoveries and unforgettable moments. Our guide, Mr. Tiana, gave us a fascinating guided tour of the forest, starting with an introduction to the history and content of the park. We were able to see the largest chameleon in the world, the Calumma parsonii, as well as large trees, epiphytes and lianas. The hike continued with a special reptile photo session, where the bravest members of our group were able to hold a snake more than a meter long on their shoulders. We were also able to observe the famous Indris, learning to call out like them to attract them.

The second part of the day took us to the Rianasoa natural pool, located 17 km from the Analamazaotra site in Mantadia Park. The most daring among us jumped into the water, even without swimsuits, while the others enjoyed the edges. We were thus able to cool off in an exceptional natural setting, far from the daily hustle and bustle.

In short, the Green Class organized by the NGO JADE was an excellent opportunity for young people to discover the richness of biodiversity and to better understand the importance of its conservation. In addition to discovering the tropical forest and its inhabitants, our excursion also allowed us to discover the natural beauty of Madagascar through the Rianasoa natural pool. This place is located 17 km from the Analamazaotra site in Mantadia Park.