The 2021 Annual report of FAPBM is out and can be downloaded here. It tracks the impacts of funding on the 3 core areas of intervention which are: (i) the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services (water, energy, wood, pollination, etc.), (ii) the development of communities and (iii) the strengthening of protected area managers. After a significant drop in the indicators in 2020 linked to the health crisis, 2021 witnessed a resumption of the increase in the indicators for the 3 components.
BIODIVERSITY: declining threats after a difficult 2020
The number of fires in protected areas funded by FAPBM has decreased by 45%. Fire remain the primary cause of deforestation. This drastic decrease in the number of fire points reflected the decrease in the level of threats. This can be explained, on the one hand, by a resumption of economic activities by local communities, and on the other hand, by a strengthening of the managers. Managers have been innovative in combating threats: like agricultural firebreaks, target-based patrols, increased community participation, and early warning systems. By the end of 2021, 1.8 million ha of forest have been conserved by FAPBM. Conservation targets, ecosystems or species, have been preserved, such as the Ankoay (an endemic eagle) whose population has increased.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Supports for a restructuring development
FAPBM funding has enabled the securing of ecosystem services of provisioning and regulation in the lowlands and watersheds around PAs. Jobs have been maintained, and beneficiaries of value chains[1] have increased by 15%. Managers continued training and restructured Income Generating Activities (IGAs) to develop value chains.
PERSPECTIVES: Advocating for a vision of protected areas
FAPBM’s funding has increased by 36% during the crisis period thanks to the support of its donors and the sound management of its capital. However, this remains insufficient, as it does not yet cover all 123 protected areas of the Madagascar Protected Areas System (SAPM). FAPBM’s future actions are oriented towards strengthening fundraising. Its ability to mobilize new donors depends on the country’s ability to suggest a national strategy for the protected area system. Collectively, conservation stakeholders need to define the national vision and perspectives for biodiversity protection, demonstrating the challenges of biodiversity loss at local, national and global levels.
[1] A value chain is made up of links with different actors/beneficiaries, from the production of inputs (seeds, seedlings, …) to the sale of products on the markets. Therefore, the elaboration of business plans, including an economic model, is very important for the sustainability of the activity.
