Strengthening the socio-economic resilience of communities

The ReSea project, a 30 million USD initiative backed by Canada, has been launched in Madagascar with the goal of enhancing the climate resilience and economic empowerment of communities across the Indian Ocean region.

Targeting coastal communities in Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, and the Comoros, the project aims to bolster the socio-economic resilience of 350,000 individuals against the adverse impacts of climate change. Key components include enhancing the conservation of marine protected areas, implementing nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, and fostering the economic empowerment of women and youth within blue economy value chains.

In Madagascar, the project will specifically benefit the coastal communities of Antsiranana I and II, directly impacting approximately 63,000 residents. Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Paubert Mahatante Tsimanaoraty, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to shift the burden of conservation costs away from communities and towards more sustainable approaches.

The project’s priorities in Madagascar include participatory and effective management of coastal and marine areas, protection and restoration of critical blue ecosystems such as mangroves and corals, and addressing pollution concerns. Minister of Population and Solidarity, Madame Haingo Elisette Fomendraza, underscored the project’s timeliness, highlighting its dual focus on environmental protection and strengthening community resilience through income-generating activities in the blue economy, particularly benefiting women.