The small island nation of Comoros is currently facing a severe environmental crisis. It is one of the fastest countries in the world to lose its natural forests. Between 1995 and 2014, Comoros lost an astounding 29.2 percent of its tree cover. An incredible 80% disappeared, largely due to farmland growth and unchecked deforestation. This loss poses an existential threat to the local ecosystem. It threatens the agricultural economy, which relies almost entirely on the cultivation of ylang-ylang, vanilla, and cloves. Since then, farmers and NGOs have joined forces to address this urgent crisis. Now, they’re working alongside the Comoros government to get reforestation initiatives off the ground.
The government’s promise to protect the environment is more timely than ever. Comoros is one of the world’s leading producers of the fragile ylang-ylang flower at the heart of perfumes including Chanel No 5. Recognizing the perilous state of our ocean and coasts, this underscores the necessity for the industry to promote sustainable practices. The agricultural sector makes up nearly one-third of Comoros’ GDP, proving its importance to not only the people but the country’s economy as well. Today, high population density is over 700 people/sq km. This creates a compounded effect that makes it particularly difficult to address the needs of agricultural practices while preserving our environmental resources.
The Impact of Deforestation
Aside from climate change, deforestation in Comoros is some of the highest in the world, especially on the island of Anjouan. What once were emerald mountains are now a landscape of devastation. Rivers once so full they stretched for miles have reduced to tiny threads of water. In 1925, Anjouan boasted a staggering 50 rivers running strong year round. Today, that number has decreased significantly to less than 10. Loss of trees breaks down the water cycle that trees help maintain, harming both agricultural and residential landscapes.
Hydroclimatologist Abdoul Oubeidillah explains the critical role forests play in the ecosystem:
“The infiltration of water that feeds rivers and aquifers… like a sponge that retains water and releases it gradually.”
The situation in Anjouan demonstrates a disturbing reality prevailing across Comoros. Today, farmers are still clearing Peru’s forests in their search for fertile land. Environment Minister Abubakar Ben Mahmoud states,
“Deforestation has been intensified as farmers are looking for arable land for their activities.”
The effects of deforestation aren’t purely environmental. They pose a risk to energy itself. Currently, burning wood is the most cost-effective source of energy required for the ylang-ylang distillation process. For example, it takes approximately 250 kilograms of wood to produce just one liter of sandalwood essential oil. This unprecedented demand is siphoning stress on the country’s already depleted forest resources.
Community Initiatives and Government Support
In an attempt to turn the tide on this loss of forest cover, the Comoros government has signed a five-year conservation contract. In this program, farmers are encouraged to either replant their land or allow it to remain uncultivated, receiving financial payment in return. These types of actions are crucial for reforesting our landscape and maintaining the health of agricultural lands.
Farmers such as 67-year-old Mohamed Mahamoud received monetary compensation to start using less wood to distill their oil by improving their equipment. Mahamoud reports significant success:
“I now use third-generation stainless steel alembics, with an improved oven equipped with doors and chimneys,” he said, noting that he has halved his wood consumption through these upgrades.
Environment Minister Abubakar Ben Mahmoud emphasizes their commitment:
“We will do everything we can to save what little forest we have left.”
The partnership with farmers created and deepened an NGO-community collaboration that has raised public awareness of the need to protect natural spaces. Numerous local organizations are working to teach local communities the advantages of climate adaptive farming and the long-term impact of protecting our natural resources.
The Future of Comoros’ Forests
As Comoros continues to grapple with the negative repercussions of deforestation, the work of public and private actors will be key. While the country grapples with high population density and economic pressures, the implementation of sustainable farming practices could pave the way for future ecological recovery.
The need for global and national reforestation is urgent. Thousands of rivers are drying up, destroying farming operations and putting daily access to water sources at risk. Bastoini Chaambani, a local resident, poignantly reflects on this drastic change:
“In 1925, there were 50 rivers with a strong year-round flow of water. Today, there are fewer than 10 rivers that flow continuously.”