This photo shows the FOSA youth group of southwestern Madagascar in action, cleaning up previously burned areas in the protected area and planting seedlings from their successful tree nursery to help with reforestation efforts. The Menabe Antimena Protected Area is experiencing unprecedented rates of deforestation - at this rate the forest within the protected area may be gone in 4 years. A complex set of issues has contributed to the destruction of this protected area, but perhaps the biggest contributing factor is the massive influx of migrants to the area who are fleeing famine and poverty in the drought stricken south of Madagascar. These climate migrants participate in the illegal cultivation of maize and other crops within the protected area to survive - the demand for these illegal products is mostly being driven by a corrupt network of powerful corporations. If this unique dry forest disappears, the already dry region will likely experience desertification similar to the south, resulting in a second crisis for the region. Youth groups like FOSA provide a ray of hope in the midst of this dire situation - they recognize the threats to their own livelihoods through the destruction of their local environment, and are taking the reforestation of the region into their own hands. With the support of the USAID Mikajy activity in Madagascar, this youth group started a tree nursery to help reforest the protected area with native tree species as well as to provide economic benefit to FOSA members. They sell their seedlings at a modest price, and help others join in the reforestation efforts. They also sell cash crops in addition to native tree species. Tetra Tech ARD is the implementing partner for USAID Mikajy.