Located in the Mahajanga region of Madagascar, the Ankarafantsika 3 planting site comprises 825 hectares of dry deciduous forest within Ankarafantsika National Park. The landscape, a mosaic of dry forests and savannahs, provides essential habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including flagship species such as the Madagascar fish eagle and Coquerel's sifaka lemur.

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The primary causes of forest degradation at Ankarafantsika 3 are human-driven extraction for charcoal production and land clearing for agriculture. Much of this site has been severely degraded. However, healthy, old-growth forest remains nearby, making this a critical area for restoration and protection.

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The primary villages, Ambikakely and Ampombilava, are home to over 460 people, most of whom are farmers or produce charcoal.