The management of the network for protected areas in Madagascar is overseen by the 'Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protégées' or ANGAP. ANGAP is a private association working under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forest. Its mission is " to establish, preserve and manage sustainably the network of parks and reserves presenting geological diversity, and the natural and cultural properties of Madagascar ".

The level of threat to Madagascar's wildlife is among the highest in the world. Only 15,2% of Madagascar's original forest cover remains. At least 15 species of lemurs and many other species have become extinct since the arrival of human beings 2,000 years ago.

For these reasons, the Government of Madagascar decreed the creation of Masoala National Park in March 1997.