Founded in 1993, the NGO Man and the Environment (L'Homme et l'Environnement), based in Madagascar, is specialized in sustainable development and biodiversity conservation by involving disadvantaged local populations.

The organisation works in specific areas rich in threatened biodiversity, with the aim to demonstrate that the preservation of the environment and human development can go hand in hand. Actions are developed in a holistic manner under a plan involving agricultural support, health and education, forest regeneration programs, increasing the understanding of ecosystems and preservation of endangered species; including development of income-generating activities.

This last component works through support for the creation of micro-businesses (production of essential oils and ecotourism) with the ultimate goal of transfering the management to the local population. Ultimately it will provide people with the opportunity to sustainably manage their local natural resources and reinvest the profits generated to finance educational and health projects. Man and the Environment aims to provide local communities alternatives to natural resource management that are economically and environmentally sustainable. Madagascar is a global priority in terms of biodiversity conservation (according to UNESCO).