Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world with an average annual per capita income of $300-$500. Poverty and unsustainable land use practices have led to Madagascar losing 85% of its native forest cover. It is in the forests that most of the biodiversity is found. Slash and burn agricultural and burning for grazing land are the main drivers of forest loss.  At the same time, Madagascar is a priority for conservation with over 90% of all species being endemic. Aroma Forest sources products from three areas in Madagascar. These areas are not protected and each has a suite of endemic endangered species that are threatened by illegal hunting and rapid habitat loss through slash and burn agriculture.

Aroma Forest is a for-profit trading company founded in Madagascar to produce and market essential oils. Aroma Forest was created by the NGO, Man And The Environment (MATE). MATE’s goal is to support the sustainable management of forest and conservation of biodiversity by the local communities in Madagascar. MATE and Aroma Forest work with communities in high poverty areas in the eastern and northwestern rainforest regions of Madagascar. The goal of the business is to create jobs and increase revenues for poor rural communities while conserving biodiversity. In each of the sites where essential oils are sourced, MATE has entered into contracts with the Government of Madagascar and local communities to ensure sustainable management.

Aroma Forest produces a range of essentials oils including; Niaouli, Saro, Maniguette, Butterfly Ginger, Iary, Blue ginger, Tumeric, Rosemary, Ylang-Ylang, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Issa, Cinnamon bark, Lantana, Calophyllum oil. International cosmetic and aromatherapy companies such as Chanel and Yves Rocher purchase these products from the company. Aroma Forest products are not only Certified Wildlife Friendly® but are also certified organic and satisfy international fair trade requirements. Aroma Forest markets their essential oils through the Internet as well as through national and international retail and wholesale sales.