Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilient infrastructure

Role: Research assistant, Madagascar
Project: Barriers and enabling factors affecting the implementation and long-term maintenance of green and blue infrastructures in peri-urban areas of Antananarivo, Madagascar
Affiliation: Institute and Observatory of Geophysics of Antananarivo and ESSA Forêts, University of Antananarivo
ORCID ID: N/A
Email: fifa.andriarimanana@gmail.com 

Tojo Fifaliana Andriarimanana is a geomatician and remote sensing specialist based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, holding a Masters degree in Earth Physics with a specialisation in Remote Sensing and Environment from the Institut et Observatoire de Géophysique d’Antananarivo (IOGA), University of Antananarivo. Core expertise encompasses geospatial analysis, land-use and land-cover mapping, satellite image processing, drone data analysis, and environmental monitoring — underpinned by strong technical proficiency in tools such as QGIS, SAGA GIS, Google Earth Engine, Python, R, and SQL.

Professional experience spans fieldwork and applied research across diverse environmental and agricultural contexts. Notable contributions include socio-economic surveys for the valuation of mangrove natural capital in the Diana Region, geospatial data collection and crop monitoring through drone imagery with Farming Technology for Africa, and spatial data production within the GETIAN smart land management project. Research assistant work at ESSA Forêts involved thematic mapping of respiratory disease distribution across Antananarivo’s urban communes, identification of high flood-risk zones, and field surveys on air quality, green and blue infrastructure effectiveness for flood risk reduction and water pollution) In peri-urban areas, using KoboCollect for data collection with local communities and institutional stakeholders.

A strong commitment to knowledge transfer is reflected in GIS and photo-interpretation teaching delivered at university level — both at IOGA and the University of Vakinankaratra. He is motivated by the practical application of geospatial technologies to sustainable development, natural resource conservation, and climate change adaptation in the Global South.