Madagascar Launches $7.1 Million Initiative to Protect Coasts from Climate Change

Madagascar has embarked on a landmark initiative to protect its coastal ecosystems and improve livelihoods across vulnerable regions. The Scaling Up Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Coastal Areas in Madagascar project aims to restore critical coastal ecosystems, improve integrated coastal zone management, and enhance climate resilience. The project will benefit nearly 100,000 people directly across four key coastal regions, where climate impacts are already threatening livelihoods and biodiversity. The initiative will be executed by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development with a grant from the Global Environment Facility and cofinancing from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Key Takeaways:

• The project, Scaling Up Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Coastal Areas in Madagascar, will benefit nearly 100,000 people directly across four key coastal regions (Boeny, Menabe, Diana, and Atsimo Atsinanana).
• The project aims to restore 3,000 hectares of mangroves and coastal forests and rehabilitate 2,000 hectares of degraded watersheds using community-based approaches.
• The initiative will support the creation of 20 ecosystem-based businesses, focusing on climate-resilient sectors such as sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, beekeeping, ecotourism, and rainfed agriculture.
• The project will enhance national and local adaptation coordination and provide revised tools and plans to integrate ecosystem-based adaptation at the regional and municipal levels.
• The Secretary General of Environment and Sustainable Development, Hahitantsoa Tokinirina Razafimahefa, emphasized the importance of restoring mangroves and coastal forests, which will protect the coastline, support sustainable small-scale fishing, create natural carbon sinks, and preserve nesting sites for rare species.
• Paz Lopez-Rey, UNEP's Programme Management Officer, stated that the project will strengthen local governance for integrated coastal zone management and ensure the integration of ecosystem-based adaptation into key regional and municipal planning tools.

Statistics:

• $7.1 million: The grant from the Global Environment Facility to execute the project.
• $27 million: The cofinancing provided by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) for the project.
• 3,000 hectares: The planned restoration of mangroves and coastal forests.
• 2,000 hectares: The rehabilitation of degraded watersheds using community-based approaches.
• 20: The number of ecosystem-based businesses planned, focusing on climate-resilient sectors.

Sources:

• M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:15072025
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)