National Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Marine Protected Areas in Madagascar

Antananarivo, February 19, 2025

The National Stakeholders Consultative Meeting to develop a roadmap and guidelines for the sustainable implementation and governance of Madagascar’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) commenced on February 19, 2025, in Antananarivo. This three-day event has  brought together key stakeholders, including government ministries, local communities, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners such as AU-IBAR, the Nairobi Convention, and Global Fishing Watch.

Opening Remarks from AU-IBAR

Representing Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, Mr. Rafik Nouaili underscored the significance of the workshop in advancing regional cooperation and strengthening governance frameworks for managing both national and transboundary aquatic resources. He highlighted the complexity of aquatic biodiversity conservation and the necessity of collaborative, multi-stakeholder approaches. Mr. Nouaili presented AU-IBAR’s recent study on Marine Protected Areas in East and Southern Africa, which offers key recommendations for improving governance structures. A notable example cited was the ongoing governance of the Transboundary Marine Conservation Area between Kenya and Tanzania. He encouraged participants to support scientific research on marine ecosystems—including fisheries, coral reefs, and biodiversity—to guide evidence-based decision-making in conservation planning.

Official Opening by the Minister of Fishery and Blue Economy

The Honorable Minister of Fishery and Blue Economy, Dr. Mahatante Paubert officially opened the meeting, emphasizing the critical role of MPAs in preserving Madagascar’s biodiversity, livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage. He stated:
“Our oceans are the lifeblood of our nation, and the establishment of MPAs is a testament to our commitment to preserving this invaluable resource for current and future generations.”
Dr. Paubert acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the GEF6 Project, and other stakeholders—including NGOs, civil society groups, and local communities—in establishing MPAs. However, he cautioned that the greatest challenge lies in ensuring sustainable governance and effective integration of MPAs into Madagascar’s broader Blue Economy Strategy.

Key Messages from the Minister’s Address
•    Strengthening Governance Frameworks – Emphasized the need for transparent and equitable MPA management, with active involvement from local fishing communities as primary stewards of these resources.
•    Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods – The roadmap aims to balance conservation efforts with socio-economic needs, ensuring MPAs contribute to poverty alleviation and economic resilience for coastal communities.
•    Enhancing Monitoring and Enforcement – Strengthening capacity for monitoring, enforcement, and adaptive management of MPAs is essential. This includes integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge to develop robust conservation strategies.
•    Fostering Partnerships – Called for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and international partners to align efforts with Madagascar’s sustainable blue economy strategy.
The Minister stressed that the success of Madagascar’s MPAs will not only be measured by the extent of protected areas but also by the tangible benefits to local communities and the resilience of marine ecosystems. He urged participants to actively engage and contribute insights toward an ambitious yet achievable roadmap.

Strategic Alignment and Broader Context
The consultative meeting aligns with the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES), which promotes sustainable blue economy development across fisheries, aquaculture, maritime safety, ecotourism, sustainable energy, and governance. Given Madagascar’s rich marine biodiversity, the country plays a pivotal role in implementing this strategy.

AU-IBAR, through the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy project, funded by SIDA, is working to enhance policy environments and institutional capacities across AU member states, including Madagascar. This initiative seeks to optimize biodiversity conservation, address conflicts within the blue economy sector, mitigate environmental impacts, and ensure gender inclusivity in marine resource management.

Significance of Madagascar’s Marine Resources
Madagascar’s marine ecosystems, including mangroves and coral reefs, are vital to the livelihoods of rural and coastal communities. Mangroves provide essential resources such as fish, timber, and fuel, while coral reefs support food security and income generation, particularly in the face of climate change. The country’s rich natural heritage also sustains a thriving ecotourism sector, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Expected Outcomes of the Consultative Meeting
The meeting features plenary sessions and interactive working groups aimed at:
•    Raising awareness about the significance of MPAs.
•    Identifying governance and management challenges.
•    Establishing priority actions and key governance mechanisms.
•    Developing a comprehensive roadmap and guidelines for MPA sustainability.

A Call to Action
In closing, the Minister expressed deep appreciation for the support of local and international partners and reaffirmed Madagascar’s commitment to setting a regional benchmark for marine conservation and governance.
“Together, we can ensure that our Marine Protected Areas become a model of excellence—not only for our nation but for the Indian Ocean region.”
As discussions unfold over the coming days, stakeholders are expected to outline a clear and actionable roadmap, ensuring that Madagascar’s MPAs serve as pillars of conservation, community resilience, and sustainable development.