Dates / Project duration
June 2023 - May 2025 / 2 years
Field of action :
Development of marine protected areas
Branch : 
Monaco
Location :
Madagascar
Project sponsor(s) :
Groupe de Recherche d’Echanges Technologiques
?The island of Sainte Marie in Madagascar is home to exceptional biodiversity, including 800 hectares of coastal rainforest, 357 species of vascular plants (49 of which are endangered) and a remarkable diversity of fauna, including a new species of nocturnal lemur. Its coastline boasts a remarkable variety of marine habitats, including the largest humpback whale population in the southwest Indian Ocean. However, this biodiversity is under increasing threat.
The livelihoods of the population depend largely (up to 90%) on the services provided by the coastal and marine ecosystems, mainly fishing and tourism. However, these activities are in constant decline due to anthropogenic pressures and the effects of climate change. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women.
This will be achieved by:
The project adopts innovative approaches, in particular the use of a methodology based on the concept of the common good, and mobilises external marine expertise. The active participation of the local population is encouraged, in particular through the Plateforme de Concertation et d'Appui au Développement Durable de l'Ile de Sainte Marie, which represents the community and is a key partner in the project.
The livelihoods of the population depend largely (up to 90%) on the services provided by the coastal and marine ecosystems, mainly fishing and tourism. However, these activities are in constant decline due to anthropogenic pressures and the effects of climate change. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, with a particular focus on women.
This will be achieved by:
- Promoting more inclusive ecotourism
- Developing short-term or permanent income generating activities
- Preparing for the future community management of the marine and terrestrial protected area currently being established and supported by the communities,
- initiating regulatory procedures for the temporary protection of this future protected area.
The project adopts innovative approaches, in particular the use of a methodology based on the concept of the common good, and mobilises external marine expertise. The active participation of the local population is encouraged, in particular through the Plateforme de Concertation et d'Appui au Développement Durable de l'Ile de Sainte Marie, which represents the community and is a key partner in the project.
