Destruction of the forest along the eastern coast of Madagascar has been rapid in the last several decades. It is estimated that over 80% of original littoral forest has been lost, yet these forests contain approximately 1,200 plant species, or 10% of Madagascar’s flora; of these species, about half are found only in this vegetation type. With support from the Beneficia Foundation, MBG has been able to establish a community-based conservation program in the Mahabo forest region. Workshops have been given to encourage collaboration with villagers to develop methods for in situ protection of forest species, as well as teach villagers to cultivate rare plants to encourage their growth around the village. These workshops promote programs for sustainable use of forest resources in rural villages, where villagers depend on the forest for food, fuel wood, and medicine. To date project staff and local volunteers have planted out 3000 saplings of Eucalyptus species (E. corymbosa and E. camaldulensis) between the villages and the forest to establish a buffer zone. In addition, they have set up five nurseries to provide the saplings for forest restoration and established five community gardening associations that include 122 women in five villages around Mahabo forest.