An Ambitious GEF-Funded Project

A $5.29 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has been awarded to Madagascar to support the sustainable management of community-managed marine protected areas (LMMA).

The official agreement was signed on December 21 and marks the start of an ambitious project led by the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), in partnership with the Madagascar Protected Areas Fund (FAPBM) and WWF.

This initiative aims to protect essential marine ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and sea turtles. These environments are vital not only for biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on them.

More than 5,450 people will directly benefit from the project. These beneficiaries will receive training to better manage natural resources and strengthen their self-reliance. The goal is to combine environmental protection and local development by actively involving local communities in the management of marine areas.

This initiative is part of the global “30 x 30” target, which aims to protect 30% of marine and terrestrial areas by 2030. Madagascar hopes to become a regional model for marine conservation. The funding mechanisms put in place will also ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.

According to a representative of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), “this funding will help protect iconic species while strengthening the skills of local communities.”