One way in which humans have impacted and harmed the ecosystem of Madagascar is due to deforestation. It has been a process occurring for a very long time, even in times of the 19th century with French colonization. This loss of forestation has occurred for many different reasons. Some are more natural reasons, such as some portions of forest being at risk for fire as a result of both grazing and uncontrolled wildfires. However, the majority of reasons are due to human activity directly. These more direct reasons include using the forest space and resources for economy, agriculture, energy, for fuel, and to often benefit corporations. This deforestation has had many different impacts on both people and animals. The most notable of these impacts is the loss of about 80% of its original forests and the loss of a natural store of carbon dioxide. Less obvious effects of human deforestation of the Madagascar is soil degradation as well as widespread loss of biodiversity, disrupting many processes of the ecosystem as well as decreasing its resilience to change. Many different measures and plans have been suggested and taken into account as an attempt to circumvent these issues. While there is a lack of governmental funds and authority, preventing implementation of the National Strategy for Sustainable Management of Biodiversity, UNESCO has still announced efforts to international regulations to ensure illegal logging timber is forbidden, Many projects also exist trying to bring in more jobs and ecotourism in an attempt to resolve the issue of poverty. Meanwhile, it is suggested that improved agritcultural processes and the better menagement of resources by those living there can greatly assist in reducing deforestation.
