Conservation actors have reaffirmed their commitment to better coordinate their actions to protect Madagascar's natural heritage. Faced with threats to Madagascar's biodiversity, including deforestation, ecosystem degradation, invasive alien species, and climate change, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), its National Committee, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), and their partners organized a national coordination workshop for conservation actors. The objective is to strengthen synergies between institutions, align interventions with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and accelerate implementation of Madagascar's international commitments.
Green Jobs
According to Tojotsara Ratefason, Director of Protected Areas, Renewable Natural Resources and Ecosystems at MEDD, the numerous IUCN projects in Madagascar must be better harmonized with Government priorities. She emphasized that biodiversity protection cannot be sustainable without concrete benefits for local communities. Future projects must therefore integrate promotion of human capital, creation of green jobs, and improvement of livelihoods so that populations become the primary beneficiaries of conservation.
The workshop also allowed IUCN representatives to learn about Madagascar's expectations regarding species, forest, and ecosystem protection, while electing Manantsoa Tiana Andriatsihoarana to head the Executive Committee of the IUCN Madagascar National Committee, tasked with strengthening coordination of conservation actions.
Luther Anukur recalled that IUCN brings together states, NGOs, and various organizations committed to nature protection. He emphasized that the organization already supports several programs in Madagascar through technical and financial assistance, particularly in forest and marine ecosystem protection.
The IUCN Africa President also stressed that Madagascar hosts nearly 5% of global biodiversity. For him, this natural wealth represents a genuine lever for sustainable development, provided that environmental conservation is better linked to economic development, job creation, and improved incomes for populations.
Following the proceedings, participants reaffirmed that preserving Madagascar's biodiversity relies on collective action, better coordination among actors, and strengthened partnerships, with the ambition of reconciling nature protection and sustainable development for the benefit of communities.