Illegal mining, forest fires and endangered species trafficking concern civil society, which calls on authorities to strengthen environmental protection. Ndranto Razakamanarina and Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy, environmental advocates. Civil society organizations are sounding the alarm over the persistence of environmental crimes. "This tends to be increasing," declared Ndranto Razakamanarina of Alliance Voahary Gasy (AVG) yesterday, during the presentation of an open letter addressed to the President of the Refoundation of the Republic of Madagascar and authorities, at the Panorama Hotel in Andrainarivo. These actors denounce illegal mining within protected areas, notably at Makira and in the core zone of Andasibe-Mantadia, as well as in other forests. To this are added the surge in forest fires and the ongoing trafficking of endangered species. "It is especially the ineffectiveness of environmental protection laws that is the cause," continues Razakamanarina. To illustrate his point, he mentions the case of individuals prosecuted for degradation of the Makira protected area, and the burning of an entire village and offices of Vondron'olona Ifotony, released last August. Civil society organizations also point to the weak budget allocations granted by the State for the preservation of natural heritage (Editor's note: 1.2% for Environment and Forests, 0.3% for Fisheries and 0.1% for Mines). Recommendations This lack of resources would justify the scale of trafficking and the squandering of the country's strategic resources. Faced with this situation, civil society formulates several recommendations. It notably invites the Ministry of Economy and Finance to increase the budget of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, in order to strengthen the fight against bush fires and forest violations. Without urgent measures, Madagascar risks losing 93% of its forest cover from 1950 to 2050. To have a say in decisions, around sixty organizations have established the Confederation of Environmental Civil Society Organizations of Madagascar. This grouping aims to carry a common roadmap, clarify advocacy priorities and collaborate with authorities in favor of the country's development, citizens' well-being and biodiversity enhancement. Miangaly Ralitera