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  • We are ADES | ADES

    A Swiss NPO established in Madagascar We are ADES OUR TEAM Vision ADES is committed to a Madagascar where people and nature can live together in resilient, regenerative systems. We believe that sustainable development can only succeed if ecological stability, economic prospects, and social participation are strengthened together. Therefore, we combine climate- and environmentally friendly energy solutions, education, local value creation, and reforestation into integrated approaches that have a long-term impact. Together with local communities, we create solutions that protect forests, improve livelihoods and enable a sustainable future for the next generations. Mission ADES aims to achieve this vision by improving the living conditions of the population alongside protecting forests. With our three-pillar approach, we provide as many people as possible with access to energy-efficient cooking, educate people, especially children, about environmental issues, and reforest or protect existing forests. In doing so, we focus on underrepresented groups in society and promote their participation in the economic value creation process. Impact ADES combines climate, environmental and development work to create integrated solutions with long-term impact for people, nature and the local economy in Madagascar. Our approach strengthens climate-resilient communities, reduces pressure on forests, creates economic opportunities and promotes sustainable development through locally rooted and measurable solutions. Corporate Film ADES 2025-2026 Statistics never tell the whole story. Madagascar's unique natural environment is seriously threatened. This film shifts the perspective: a voice from everyday life takes center stage. Lahatra speaks about the reality many communities in Madagascar face and how ADES is responding with three concrete pillars. MORE VIDEOS ADES #25taona ADES celebrates 25 years on the big island Maryn Mohn-Drouet, CEO of ADES Madagascar: “For me, ADES is a perfect example of a resilient organization committed to long-term social and environmental development in Madagascar. I see a radiant expression of pride in the eyes of our teams, our partners, and the communities we work with.” Follow us on our platforms and celebrate with us! Chronicle of a club 25 years of impact and history of ADES ADES founder Regula Ochsner worked as a development aid worker in Toliara in southern Madagascar from 1972 to 1975. When she visited the country with her mother Ruth Ochsner in 1998, she was dismayed by the rapidly progressing deforestation. Regula and Ruth Ochsner decided to do everything in their power to preserve the forest in Madagascar. DISCOVER Recognition for our impact Chronicle 2001-2011 2001 Founding On March 23, 2001, the association ADES (Association pour le Développement de l'Energie Solaire Suisse – Madagascar) was founded in Ottenbach, Zurich. Regula Ochsner was elected president. The goal: to protect the forests of Madagascar. 2003 First 500 improved cookstoves sold. Despite the sales success, the financial situation is worrying, writes Regula Ochsner in her fundraising appeal, which proved to be successful. 2006 Opening of a Second Location ADES's second site in Madagascar opens in Ejeda. Moreover, ADES begins officially funding reforestation projects 2007 First awards and recognition The highlights of the year include two award ceremonies: In February, Regula receives the international environmental prize "Trophée des femmes" from the environmental foundation "Fondation Yves Rocher" and in autumn she is awarded the Swiss Solar Prize 2007 in the category of persons/institutions. 2009 Gold Standard First Gold Standard certification. 2011-2021 2011 ADES anniversary ADES has been making a lasting impact in Madagascar for 10 years. ADES continues to grow and is opening a fifth ADES center: "While our activities were previously limited to the south and southwest of the island, with the Mahajanga location, the country's third largest city, we are now extending them to the northwest," the annual report states. 2013 New workshop in Fianarantsoa Production in Fianarantsoa is now fully operational. Knowledge transfer is also underway: 37 employees have been trained by Hans Peter Frei. 2016 100,000 cookstoves for the "Big Island" On January 25th, the local management announces: "It is with great pleasure that I inform you all that we have today crossed the threshold of a total of 100,000 solar and cookstoves sold." ADES reports in Bulletin 2016-1 that the association covers eleven of the seventeen SDGs. These are global goals for sustainable development – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – which the heads of state of 193 UN member states agreed upon at the end of 2015 and which they aim to achieve by 2030. 2021 20 years of ADES For many years, Regula Ochsner dedicated herself to the environment and the people of Madagascar. Thanks to her initiative and perseverance, ADES celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2021. It is also the year in which Regula dedicates herself to new endeavors and hands over the presidency to Herbert Blaser. Due to the restrictions still in place in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, most celebrations must be canceled. 2021 org. Award for ADES This fall, ADES is celebrating its 20th anniversary with three events open to the public. There is also cause for celebration: winning the «.Org Impact Award» – ADES was chosen as «Organization of the Year 2021» from over 600 other organizations. 2021-2026 2022 New partnerships promote reforestation ADES expands its reforestation programmes and invests in agroforestry and sustainable forest management. 2023 For the next generation Our environmental education projects demonstrate how realistic goals can lead to measurable impact: 279 schools, over 1,000 teachers and almost 10,000 children reached in Madagascar. 2024 Record production For the first time in the history of the NPO, ADES exceedes the mark of 100,000 solar and improved cookstoves sold in a financial year 2025 Energy Globe Award for ADES On February 11th, the Energy Globe Award Madagascar is presented to Luc Estapé at the Advantage Austria offices in Zurich. Regarding the award, he says: "This award recognizes the achievements of our employees and partners in Madagascar! They manage, often under adverse conditions, to continuously optimize the three pillars of our activities – Clean Cooking, Environmental Education, and reforestation – and thus make a significant impact." 2025 Local Leadership Maryn Mohn Drouet becomes the new director of ADES Madagascar. She says: "Over the past 25 years, we have seen that simple, locally developed solutions can have a great impact when they are truly tailored to the needs of the communities."

  • Project M570 | ADES

    Project M570 Village+ Climate-Resilient Villages for Madagascar ALL PROJECTS 01 Context Madagascar is heavily affected by deforestation, biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change. Many families still cook with firewood or charcoal, while schools and communities often have only limited resources for sustainable development. With Village+, ADES brings together more than 25 years of experience in an integrated village development model. The project combines clean cooking energy, reforestation, environmental education, sustainable school kitchens and local entrepreneurship into a holistic approach for climate-resilient villages 02 Executive Summary Village+ creates climate-resilient villages by bringing together five proven ADES approaches into one integrated programme: clean cooking energy, reforestation and biodiversity, environmental education, sustainable school kitchens, and local entrepreneurship. Together with local communities, solutions are developed to protect natural resources, promote education and create new income opportunities. The implementation of the first pilot villages is planned from 2028 onwards. 03 Outcomes Clean Cooking Energy Access to improved cooking solutions Reduced firewood consumption and lower CO₂ emissions Reforestation and Biodiversity Restoration of degraded land Protection of natural resources and promotion of biodiversity Strengthened local stewardship of natural resources Environmental Education Strengthened environmental and climate protection skills among children, young people and teachers Increased environmental awareness within communities and long-term adoption of sustainable practices Sustainable School Kitchens Energy-efficient cooking solutions for schools Improved school meals with reduced firewood consumption Local Entrepreneurship New income opportunities through local distribution and service networks Strengthened economic resilience of local communities Timeline The project is planned for the period from January 2026 to December 2028 and forms part of a long-term commitment extending to 2030. Support us Launch 2026 Pilot Project Selection of villages, participatory planning process, assessment of current conditions, start of implementation Phase 1 2027 Implementation Full implementation of the modules, guidance, and support Phase 2 2028 Consolidation Evaluation, documentation, dissemination, and decision on expansion Scaling 2030 Outlook Reach over 50 new villages Projet M570 Insights from previous projects Village+ builds on the experience gained through ADES projects M100, M232, M233, M240 and M300. Key lessons incorporated into the concept include: Local governance instead of top-down approaches: Sustainable impact is achieved where communities are actively involved. Village+ therefore relies on local steering committees in each model village. Infrastructure requires support : Building kitchens or distributing cookstoves alone is not enough. Training, local role models and trained contact persons encourage effective use and behavioural change. Participation strengthens resilience : The best results were achieved when local actors were not only users, but also co-creators. Monitoring as a learning tool : Digital tools improve impact measurement and enable continuous adaptation. Strategic focus : Drawing on lessons learned between 2023 and 2025, ADES is placing greater emphasis on structurally disadvantaged rural regions. We are looking for committed partners to support the implementation of this project. Contact us to learn more about funding and partnership opportunities. ALL PROJECTS Any questions ? Rita Bachmann is your contact for questions regarding project funding and partnerships. rita.bachmann(at)ades-solaire.org +41 44 466 60 52 Support our projects Join us in protecting forests, promoting education and strengthening clean cooking solutions – support our local projects. Donate Einblicke

  • Projects | ADES

    A Swiss NPO active in Madagascar Projects OUR TEAM Our core projects ADES works with a Results Framework that enables effective implementation and measurable impact. For its climate protection measures, ADES is Gold Standard certified. For 25 years, ADES has been making a significant impact in Madagascar: ADES is one of the organisations with the most significant and long-term impact on the island. Apply M100 Solar and energy-saving cookstoves The M100 project improves access to clean cooking . Energy-saving cookstoves significantly reduce fuel consumption, costs and smoke emissions, thereby sustainably improving the living conditions of users. Explore Apply M232 Environmental Education The M232 project combines environmental education with practical application in everyday life. It teaches children concrete ways to take action, thereby promoting a sustainable and responsible approach to natural resources. Explore Apply M233 Empowerment The M233 project “Empowerment ”: supporting resellers on their path to self-employment strengthens ADES’s distribution network in Madagascar and promotes economic independence, particularly for women. Explore Apply M240 Modular Institutional Kitchens The use of energy-efficient cooking appliances has significantly reduced fuel consumption, operating costs, and smoke emissions. Consequently, the installation of these kitchens has a direct impact on the health of cooks, costs, and the environment. Explore Apply M300 Reforestation The reforestation project promotes sustainable reforestation in particularly affected regions of Madagascar. It strengthens local livelihoods and contributes to the long-term protection and restoration of forests. Explore Apply M570 ADES Village+ With Village+, ADES brings together over 25 years of experience in an integrated village development model. The project combines clean cooking, reforestation, environmental education, school kitchens and local entrepreneurship into a holistic approach. Explore Any questions ? Rita Bachmann is your contact for questions regarding project funding and partnerships. rita.bachmann(at)ades-solaire.org +41 44 466 60 52 Support our projects Join us in protecting forests, promoting education and strengthening clean cooking solutions – support our local projects. Donate Newsroom Discover the stories and people behind ADES. One click, and you're at the heart of our impact. NEWSROOM Subscribe to our newsletter «Vaovao» and never miss an update. Email* I agree to the Privacy Policy . Subscribe

  • Home | ADES

    Sustainably effective for Madagascar WATCH OUR MOVIE Vision and Mission Resilient communities and vibrant forests for Madagascar. ADES improves living conditions whilst protecting Madagascar’s forests. We combine climate and environmental protection with local economic development and practical support to empower people to help themselves. As a Swiss NPO with a hybrid approach combining charitable work and local entrepreneurship, we create opportunities – particularly for women and people in remote regions. In doing so, we are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals and the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’. Over 95% of our team comes from local communities in Madagascar. This results in solutions with genuine local roots. Three pillars for Madagascar Clean cooking, education, and reforestation. Together, they form a holistic approach to sustainable development in Madagascar. MISSION Pillar 1: Clean Cooking A Malagasy household consumes four to six tonnes of wood annually through cooking over an open fire. ADES solar and energy-saving cookstoves enable Madagascan families to significantly reduce their wood and charcoal consumption. Depending on the model, energy-saving cookstoves save 50 to 70 per cent of fuel. A nationwide network of over 200 independent resellers forms the backbone of the distribution system. Pillar 2: Education Education shapes the future: ADES brings environmental education to schools in Madagascar. Children learn how to protect the environment and climate in their everyday lives. Teachers are trained, schools are strengthened and sustainable solutions are embedded for the long term. Pillar 3: Reforestation Up to half a million hectares of forest are lost in Madagascar every year. Reducing fuel consumption through energy-efficient cookstoves is not enough to preserve Madagascar’s forests. That is why ADES is also committed to reforestation. Our education and awareness-raising initiatives have a long-term impact. ADES Projects Growing our impact Whether it's modular institutional kitchens in schools, workshops for resellers of ADES improved cookstoves or reforestation projects, discover ADES core projects with a sustainable impact. PROJECTS M100 Clean Cooking The M100 project improves access to clean cooking . Energy-saving cookstoves significantly reduce fuel consumption, costs and smoke emissions, thereby sustainably improving the living conditions of users. Explore M232 Environmental Education The M232 project combines environmental education with practical application in everyday life. It teaches children concrete ways to take action, thereby promoting a sustainable and responsible approach to natural resources. Explore M233 Empowerment The M233 project “Empowerment ”: supporting resellers on their path to self-employment strengthens ADES’s distribution network in Madagascar and promotes economic independence, particularly for women. Explore Sustainable and effective since 2001 Our impact in numbers On track for 1 million cookstoves produced 30,000 children educated in environmental protection every year On track to 1.5M trees planted Local leadership: over 95% of our team is Malagasy Hybrid model: SME meets international NPO Explore Te hitsidika an’i ADES Madagasikara ve ianao ? Tsidiho eto ny pejintsika manokana. Vaovao: ADES news NEWSROOM Discover the stories and people behind ADES. One click, and you're right at the heart of our impact. NEWSROOM They speak about ADES

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