“Two-thirds of Madagascar’s endemic tree species are threatened with extinction. They store carbon and provide water, shade and shelter. They are vital for many other species of fungi, plants, animals, and people. Trees ensure the functioning of entire ecosystems. Protecting our trees is the only option for survival. Let’s work together to save them. Hazo tokana tsy mba ala.”
Rainer Dolch is one of Madagascar’s most respected forest conservation specialists and environmental educators. A German-born ecologist who made Madagascar his home for more than three decades, he became a central figure in the study, protection, and public understanding of Malagasy forests—especially tropical rainforests, littoral forests, and endemic tree biodiversity.
As co-founder and longtime director of the Madagascar Wildlife Conservation (MWC) NGO, Rainer played a key role in the protection of Lake Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest wetland and one of the country’s most threatened ecosystems. His work brought together ecological research, environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable development models — always with the conviction that forest conservation can only succeed when local communities are empowered.
Through field research, training, and advocacy, he helped document Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna, supported community-managed VOIs, and mentored a generation of Malagasy environmentalists, botanists, and conservation leaders. His writings, lectures, and public interventions emphasized a simple but powerful truth:
“Hazo tokana tsy mba ala” — one tree alone is never a forest.
Online Profiles
Academia.edu (public papers & conference materials) https://independent.academia.edu/RainerDolch
ResearchGate profile (forest ecology, conservation, Alaotra wetland studies) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rainer-Dolch
Key Publications & Documents
(Full links to downloadable or viewable scientific and conservation documents)
Alaotra Wetlands Information System – Madagascar Wildlife Conservation https://www.mwc-info.net/alaotra_wetlands_Infos.html
Madagascar Wildlife Conservation – Publications https://www.mwc-info.net/en/services/publications.html
Status of Madagascar’s Alaotran Gentle Lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis) https://www.mwc-info.net/alaotra_gentle_lemur.html
Community-based conservation approaches at Lake Alaotra https://www.mwc-info.net/en/services/community.html
Environmental education programs at Alaotra https://www.mwc-info.net/en/services/education_outreach.html
Wetland biodiversity and ecological data sheets (MWC) https://www.mwc-info.net/en/services/biodiversity.html
Interviews & Media
MWC Outreach Videos & Ecological Education https://www.youtube.com/@MadagascarWildlifeConservation
Organizations He Built or Strengthened
Madagascar Wildlife Conservation (MWC) https://www.mwc-info.net/en
Association Mitsinjo (collaborator; Andasibe reforestation & amphibian conservation) https://associationmitsinjo.wordpress.com
ARBRES À PALABRES for #dendrophiles edition for Antson’ny tontolo miaina#antsonytontolomiaina
Chapitre 1 – The Guardians #antsonytontolomiaina
Chapter 2 — Trees: histories, symbols, ecological values #antsonytontolomiaina