Vorehe, Madagascar
Our territory of life
Vorehe is located in the Atsimo Andrefana Region and covers 27,826 ha. The territory is characterised by dense vegetation comprising thorny bushes, savannahs, and dry forests, and it is home to four hamlets: Ankoreo, Ampanihy, Antsimagnahy, and Bedo.
Our community belongs to the Mikea ethnic group, whose lifestyle is strongly tied to the forest, with the forests and savannahs at the centre of our identity. Some trees, such as the tamarind tree or Hazomanga, are used in cultural ceremonies or traditional medicine. Our beliefs and daily practices are therefore linked to the natural resources in our territory.
Our community comprises 12 clans: Marofoty, Naivo, Samby Magnitsy, Tavaratra, Tsimitia, Sakoambe, Tsimazava, Katsaoke, Kristianina Stationa, Andrasily, Ambaniandro, and Magnindrano.
Community livelihoods are based on agriculture, animal husbandry, traditional hunting, and local trade. We grow rice, cape peas, fruit trees, and raise animals such as goats, oxen, and pigs, respecting our ancestral practices. These activities balance economic security with environmental conservation while helping to sustain our traditions.
Our story
Vorehe was originally known as Ambaho, which means "area in Vaho". Vaho is a local medicinal plant that has been used by our community for generations. Around 1925, a significant family event led to the territory’s current name, Vorehe, which can be translated as "witchcraft". Two brothers were in conflict, and the eldest asked the youngest to leave the area. The younger brother refused and said, "Voreho aho lahy, fa za tsy hiala", meaning, "Bewitch me, I will not leave". From this event, the name Vorehe emerged.
Our governance and management model
The territory follows a community governance model rooted in our Mikea traditions. All important decisions concerning our territory of life are made collectively through community meetings. These meetings bring together the representatives of the 12 clans to define guidelines for resource access, forest use, conservation activities, customary regulations, and protection of common goods.
Regarding the territory’s management, while the VOI MIKEA MANDROSO holds a transfer of management, all community members are directly involved in its day-to-day protection and management. This involvement ensures that conservation is not just a duty, but a shared, living commitment. The dina, our customary regulation, strictly regulates access to and use of natural resources, safeguarding our commons while reminding each community member of their responsibilities to the forest and the land.
At the same time, the future Mikea Mitambatra community-protected area, currently in the process of official recognition, offers an opportunity to further strengthen our community conservation efforts.
Our outlook
We have identified several priority activities that aim to strengthen biodiversity conservation while supporting the well-being of our community. For example, we plan to install boreholes to improve water supply in a way that respects our conservation and community practices. Our goal is to maintain a sustainable balance between ecological preservation, cultural transmission, and economic activities, ensuring that land management remains efficient, equitable, and adapted to the needs of present and future generations.
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