Sahafina
BCM started its first project in 2003 with the Sahafina forest, a dense, humid, evergreen lowland forest covering an area of 2,400 hectares, located in the Brickaville district, straddling the rural communes of Anivorano-Est and Mahatsara. Sahafina is a relic jewel that has survived deforestation that has devastated the surrounding forest blocks from the highlands to the East coast and their fragmentation. It is indeed a large forest block that persists throughout the Brickaville district.
As a result, it shelters species that have managed to escape. Scientists estimate that the density of the Indri Indri in Sahafina is among the highest. It also boasts a significant hydrographic network originating within the forest itself.​
In the beginning, Sahafina lacked both status and structure that could protect it. It was a daily scene of destruction and various infractions: rampant logging occurred in several areas to the south, falling within the territories of Mahatsara, as well as lemur hunting and traps scattered throughout the forest.
Despite this disorder and lack of resources, it is worth noting a relative willingness and respect from the population of Anivorano to preserve this forest by vigilantly guarding against any incursion into their territory and only allowing selective tree cutting necessary for ancestral traditions. Even though the lemurs could not escape this unfortunate fate, being the only abundant source of protein nearby.
Furthermore, the very rugged terrain and clayey soil of Sahafina contributed naturally to its survival as they did not allow the practice of tavy, one of the serious scourges that destroy forests in Madagascar.
The early days of BCM were inevitably very difficult, laborious, and constantly under tension. Changes in behavior required by initiatives such as conservation projects often face resistance, even making enemies.
From a vulnerable forest without status, Sahafina was declared a New Protected Area (NPA) in 2016.
Currently, the situation has progressed positively: the forest is gradually recovering, the animals are regaining
their tranquility, and the health of the annual reforestation campaigns supplied by our nurseries is improving.
Over the course of these two decades, conducting research in the relic forest of Sahafina has revealed
unsuspected species such as the Microcebus gerpi, a new species discovered by GERP, and unexpected species like the Eulemur rubriventer finding refuge there despite normally acclimating to altitudes of 800m. Other new species—both fauna and flora—are awaiting scientific determination.