In the Tuléar region, the traditional economy is based on the exploitation of fishery and forest natural resources. The booming demography is increasing the harvesting and threatening the fragile ecosystem. If nothing is done the region will head into an ecological disaster that will have a dramatic impact on the lives of the poorest families.

The NGO Bel Avenir has been present for ten years in Mangily. It is experimenting agroforestry farming techniques that respect the environment. Children from neighbouring villages regularly come to the NGO site for awareness sessions on environmental issues.