The town of Andramasina (which could be translated as "where there is sacred blood") is intimately linked to the history of Lake Ambohimanjaka. A sepulchral lake which, according to historians, shelters the remains of the city's princes. Archaeological excavations have also confirmed the existence of a staircase of twenty-five steps sinking into the darkness of the lake. This staircase would have helped in the construction. A local legend suggests that no one would have ever touched the last steps of the mysterious staircase. 

For walkers, this high altitude lake offers a panoramic view of the whole valley. As well as the original forest of Andramasina, the rapids of the Sisaony, as well as the numerous rice fields of the surroundings. 

• A cultural and ecological treasure under threat

Today, the lake of Ambohimanjaka fulfils both a cultural and ecological role for the town of Andramasina. Indeed, it allows to supply water to the surrounding rice fields as well as to a part of the city of Andramasina located below. Unfortunately, the water level of the lake has not stopped decreasing over the last few years. This threatens the ecological, economic and social balance of the district.  

The gradual deforestation of the area around the lake has been blamed for the erosion of the banks. Indeed, the maintenance of slopes, the stability of watersheds and the preservation of lakes and rivers depend on tree roots.  

As a result, large volumes of land are drained into the lake. This results in the destruction of both arable land and the breeding grounds of the fish that inhabit the lake. As can be seen, deforestation jeopardises the survival of an entire ecosystem as well as the sustainability of a unique historical and cultural place.  

What Bôndy does in practice

• Conservation of vegetation cover and revegetation, restoration of root components of the soil in the vicinity of the lake.
• Protection of bare soil, limitation of evaporation and erosion.

Source : Madatana.com