Mettmenstetten / Fianarantsoa, 28.11.2023

Sustainable anniversary: ADES workshop Mahazengy has been shaping the path to clean cooking in Madagascar for 10 years

The non-profit organisation ADES produces solar and energy-saving cookers in Madagascar and sells them to the local population at discounted prices. At the heart of the production chain is the Mahazengy factory in Fianarantsoa, where the clay cores for the energy-saving cookers are manufactured. The workshop celebrated its tenth anniversary last weekend.

For 22 years, the Swiss-Madagascan non-profit organisation ADES has been protecting nature in Madagascar and creating perspectives on poverty and rural exodus. More than 90 per cent of Madagascar's original forest has already been lost: an existential threat to the population as well as to the island's unique biodiversity. ADES uses solar and energy-saving cookers to reduce fuel consumption in one of the poorest countries in the world, where almost the entire population cooks over an open fire. The cookers are produced locally and distributed to the population at favourable conditions. In order to have a broad and sustainable impact, ADES supports cooker production with reforestation and educational measures.

The Mahazengy workshop is located in Fianarantsoa, where ADES employees produce the clay cores for the energy-saving cookers from the clay of the surrounding rice fields. Last weekend, ADES employees celebrated the anniversary over two days together with invited guests such as the Swiss ambassador Rolf Stalder, long-standing partners, authorities and journalists. In addition to the ceremonial part, sporting events and nature conservation activities were organised.

Swiss Ambassador Rolf Stalder brought official greetings to Fianarantsoa:

"...ADES plays a crucial role in improving the living conditions of Malagasy communities and has implemented innovative and sustainable projects in the fields of environment and social development. At the same time, its remarkable work has contributed to the good relations between Switzerland and Madagascar...".