Madagascar's grassy biomes cover 80% of the island and are central to Malagasy history, culture and ecology. The research community continues to debate the extent to which these biomes are ancient ecosystems or products of human-driven deforestation and the implications for ecosystem management. A workshop brought together experts from diverse disciplines. The resulting 13 studies in this special collection examine topics like erosion, livestock grazing, invasive species and human–environment interactions. The collection highlights the need for inclusive, cross-disciplinary research and greater community involvement to address environmental and societal challenges tied to Madagascar's complex grassy landscapes.