Marofandilia, Madagascar
Marofandilia is a village on the far west coast of Madagascar, in the Kirindy Forest, one of the rarest habitats on Earth (dry, tropical forest).   In the past the people of the village earned most of their meagre income from growing and selling peanuts, which meant chopping down the rare habitat, home to the Fossa, the Pigmy Mouse Lemur and the Madagascar Jumping Rat.  A few years ago a project was devised by an American aid worker; she suggested that they make and sell carvings using the beautiful wood of the trees surrounding them and sell these to tourists.  This meant they would want to preserve, or even extend, the forest and make more money too!!  This has gone very well until this year when, in March, there was a coup.  This has meant a big reduction in tourism and for the people of Marofandilia, a significant loss of income from the carvings.  As biologists we are keen to support this project and these people, and therefore the forest.  In the 200th year since the birth of Charles Darwin it is of even more significance that this island, where there is such startling evidence of the correctness of his idea of Evolution by Natural Selection, should be highlighted and efforts made to help both its people and its wildlife.

The Love Tree and other beasts!
Near the village of Marofandilia is a famous avenue of massive Baobab trees, and nearby, two have famously wound around each other which are known, in this French speaking country, as “les Baobab Amoureuse”.  Naturally, these huge trees are an important part of the lives of the Marofandilia people, and this is reflected in the many sculptures that they make of these two trees.  Some are shown on the reverse and are available for sale through our website,

www.takeyouvirtuallyeverywhere.com, along with other subjects including lemurs (only found on Madagascar), chameleons, and canoes (called piroques) and also specially sewn badges, which the women make (photo overleaf).  You can also purchase a CD called ‘GREENPIECES’ on which Gary Skinner performs environmental songs, some of which he sang on the 4th plinth in Trafalgar Square on 22nd July 2009. Please visit www.takeyouvirtuallyeverywhere.com, or write to gary.skinner1@blueyonder.co.uk and support the conservation of Madagascar and the village of Marofandilia.