Voices from the forest (film launch and expert panel)

Are you interested in forest conservation, climate change or environmental justice? Do come along to our free film-launch and panel discussion (1st October)!

“Voices from the Forest: Putting local people at the centre of discussions about tropical forest contribution to climate change”

It will be introduced by Madagascar’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Baomiavotse Vahinala Raharinirina, chaired by Tom Heap (from the BBC’s “Countryfile” and “39 Steps to save the planet”) and the panel includes Dr Sarobidy Rakoto (University of Antananarivo), Dr Musonda Mumba (from UNDP), Naomi Swickard (Chief Programme Officer from Verra who overseas standards) and me.

There is no path to net zero without slowing deforestation and restoring forests. However, delivering effective and equitable forest conservation and restoration is challenging. The film “Voices from the forest” was made by researchers, people living at the forest frontier in Madagascar, and professional film makers. It explores how global efforts to conserve forests are experienced by local people. The aim is to go beyond simplistic ‘win-win’ narratives that assume forest conservation and restoration inevitably also reduce poverty. The panel discussion, will focus on solutions to delivering effective and equitable forest conservation and restoration which contributes to the fight against climate change. In this critical year, this event aims to help bridge the gap between local communities and international climate policy and practice.

The film was produced by the Forest4Climate&People project (a collaboration between the University of Antananarivo and Bangor University). It is narrated by Malagasy artist and environmental campaigner Rasoanaivo Hanitrarivo  with accompanying music by international renowned musician Randrianasolo Ernest D’Gary. Contributors include local communities, Medd Madagascar , Gerp Madagascar , Durrell Madagascar, Madagasikara Voakajy, Wildlife Conservation Society, Forum Lafa, WWF Madagascar, the Tafomihavo network, Planet Madagascar, Ymagoo Nysary Madagascar and Lumahee films. Mostly the film features local voices but there are interviews with Nanie Ratsifandrihamanana from WWF, Prof Bruno Ramamonjisoa from ESSA and Julien Noel Rakotoarisoa (Director General of Medd Madagascar).

The film maker Chris Scarffe mentored a new Malagasy film maker Michel StroGoff -it was his 1st professional film and he did a GREAT job.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/voices-from-the-forest-tickets-169973073037″