Association Mitsinjo

Association Mitsinjo is a community-led organisation that was founded in 1999 by members of a village in Andasibe, east-central Madagascar. Initially, the organisation was created to facilitate local people earning a living as guides to the growing number of tourists visiting the region.  

The association has grown substantially over the years, from 5 to over 50 active members. Now its mission is to integrate conservation with rural practices to improve the living standards of communities while protecting the unique species and habitats of the Andasibe area.  

Members of Association Mitsinjo at the Amphibian Festival in Madagascar, which was coordinated by our partner MISA, to raise awareness of threatened amphibians in Madagascar. Image: © Association Mitsinjo

The organisation runs six programme strands: Reforestation and Rainforest Restoration; Environmental Education; Community-based Protection and Sustainable Agriculture; Human Health and Family Planning; Amphibian Conservation; and Lemur Monitoring. 

In 2007, Association Mitsinjo was awarded management rights (a 30-year contract) over Mitsinjo Park, previously known as Analamazaotra Forest Station, from the government. Association Mitsinjo manage the land and are restoring habitat where necessary, and members can be hired as guides by tourists. 

The Association Mitsinjo's Amphibian Conservation initiative has set up a captive breeding centre at Andasibe, where currently 13 native Malagasy species are being held in breeding programmes. The team have also been key partners in the conservation of the golden mantella, leading on wild releases of this beautiful yellow-orange frog species. 

The Amphibian Programme supports Association Mitsinjo to continue developing as an organisation and advancing knowledge in amphibian conservation.