The Department of Forestry at the School of Agronomy (ESSA-Forêts) (since 1985), and that of Agroecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change (since 2017) hold an annual field school at Bezà Mahafaly, where students gain hands-on experience of the challenges and approaches used in community-based conservation. 20-30 fifth year students from ESSA participate in the 5 to 7-day course each year. Students undertake a combination of seminars, fieldwork, and independent projects. As part of a powerful learning experience, students participate in the work of conservation, including biodiversity inventory and monitoring, spatial analysis of land cover, and discussion and structured inquiry with members of the local community. Students prepare a report at the end of the program, and present their results to the Bezà Mahafaly team on site.
Field-based courses are also offered to student groups from other national and international institutions, including the University of Toliara. With recent improvements in infrastructure at the field station, the scope for these courses has increased. In addition to exploring the unique ecology and biodiversity of Bezà Mahafaly and learning first-hand about conservation activities, students experience life in a new cultural environment and meet conservation leaders working in partnership with local communities.