In Madagascar’s Mahalevona Valley, communities are shaping sustainable livelihoods through hands-on practices rooted in tradition, innovation, and care for the land. Farmers are converting fallow plots into agroforestry fields where vanilla grows alongside newly planted trees. Others are turning to poultry, fish farming, or beekeeping: small-scale ventures that reduce the need to clear forested areas. In parallel, women artisans are reviving ancestral weaving techniques with silk and plant fibers, preserving cultural heritage while strengthening local economies.

The valley is also seeing new ideas take hold. In Fizono, a young entrepreneur launched a business producing energy-efficient stoves after taking part in the iLab incubation program. In nearby villages, families are beginning to host visitors drawn to the region’s landscapes and traditions, weaving immersive tourism into everyday life. All of these locally grounded activities are part of a broader shift, where economic development is pursued in ways that support both people and nature.