Made In Mada Joins the Green Circle: Regenerating Raffia, Supporting Communities
In a significant move toward sustainability and environmental stewardship, Made In Mada is proud to announce its commitment to regenerating raffia in Ambanja, Madagascar, through a powerful new partnership with Bôndy as part of the Green Circle initiative. This alliance brings together nationally and internationally engaged actors who share a common goal: to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and support local communities in Madagascar.
A Long-Term Commitment to Nature and Craft
Over the next three years, Made In Mada and Bôndy will plant 1,000 trees annually in the Ambanja region. 700 agroforestry trees and 300 raffia palms in a project designed not only to rehabilitate the environment, but to secure the future of raffia, a material at the very heart of Made In Mada’s creations.
The selected species include coffee, Albizia procera, hintsy, jackfruit, and citrus trees (notably orange), carefully chosen based on the needs of local farmers and the unique characteristics of their land. Fruit trees like jackfruit and orange will support household nutrition and offer local income opportunities. Coffee serves as a commercial cash crop that can sustainably improve family earnings.
Meanwhile, forest species such as Albizia procera and hintsy offer multiple ecological benefits. They stabilize soil, naturally fertilize it through nitrogen fixation, combat erosion, and create essential shade for healthy coffee growth. This thoughtful selection reinforces a long-term vision that blends environmental resilience with social impact.
This partnership is more than symbolic. It represents a concrete and measurable action towards preserving a natural resource vital to Madagascar’s craft traditions, and by extension, to the artisans whose livelihoods depend on them. Raffia palms are slow-growing and deeply intertwined with the ecosystem. By actively replanting and regenerating them, Made In Mada is investing in the future of sustainable fashion and traditional craftsmanship.
Protecting Biodiversity, Empowering Communities
Madagascar is one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots but also one of the most threatened. The Green Circle initiative fosters a collaborative effort between businesses, NGOs, and communities to address environmental degradation while creating local economic opportunities.
By joining this initiative, Made In Mada is not only helping to restore fragile ecosystems but is also contributing to rural empowerment. Tree planting supports local employment, encourages knowledge sharing, and reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to ethical production and social responsibility.
Over a five-year period, this initiative is expected to sequester approximately 13 tonnes of CO₂ for every 1,000 trees planted. It contributes directly to the fight against climate change while cultivating long-term environmental benefits for generations to come.
Craft with a Conscience
At its core, Made In Mada’s work is about more than beautiful accessories. It is about preserving a culture, a craft, and a landscape. Through this partnership, the brand ensures that the natural fibers it relies on are not only replenished but nurtured within a system that values regeneration, care, and continuity.
The decision to join the Green Circle is a testament to the brand’s deep-rooted values: respect for nature, dedication to craft, and support for the people of Madagascar.
