BioTAct Project : 8.56 million USD to strengthen Malagasy biodiversity

Madagascar is benefiting from 8.56 million USD in funding for a five-year conservation project.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced on January 20, 2025, that this support comes from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The goal is to protect endangered species and their habitats while involving local communities.

Named BioTAct, “Transforming the Global Biodiversity Framework into Concrete Actions in Madagascar,” the project targets five priority sites covering 1.24 million hectares, including 80,000 hectares of marine areas. It aims to restore endangered species populations, strengthen the management of protected areas, and promote ecological initiatives. By integrating private actors, notably the mining industry, it seeks to reconcile economic development and environmental preservation.

“This funding reflects our commitment to act concretely to protect our unique biodiversity. It is not just about conservation but a profound change in our relationship with nature,” stated Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.

The IUCN, in partnership with the Malagasy government, oversees the implementation of the project, which aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This initiative also benefits from $41 million in co-financing, highlighting the international commitment to Malagasy biodiversity.

Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of GEF, emphasized that “Madagascar remains a key player in global conservation. Thanks to BioTAct, the island strengthens its ecological resilience and consolidates its role as a leader in nature-based solutions.“