Official graduation of the Iratra and Vonona class at the CNFTF

Sixty new forestry technicians completed their training at the National Training Center for Forestry Technicians (CNFTF) in Angavokely. These graduates, from the Iratra and Vonona classes, are now ready to work for the protection and sustainable management of Malagasy forests.

The CNFTF is the only center in Madagascar specializing in the training of forestry technicians. Since training resumed in 2018, thanks to collaboration between the Malagasy government, the European Union, and GIZ, the center has already trained 115 technicians. These professionals play a vital role in the field in preserving the country’s natural resources. During the official graduation ceremony on July 5, 2025, in addition to the graduation ceremony, the CNFTF inaugurated new, modern facilities. A dormitory and a technical platform were built to improve learning conditions and allow future students to benefit from a suitable and functional environment.

The ceremony was chaired by Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of the Environment, Sustainable Development and Forestry (MEDD). This event also brought together representatives from the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the National Gendarmerie, the National Police, as well as technical and financial partners and local authorities.

According to Max Fontaine, “this event marks an important step in national efforts to strengthen the sustainable management of Madagascar’s forests.” With these new graduates and modernized infrastructure, the CNFTF confirms its key role in training competent and committed technicians for a better environmental future.