Financing protected areas (PAs) in Madagascar, whether terrestrial or marine, remains a challenge for PA managers and supporting organizations. How can we ensure sustainable funding for the System of Protected Areas in Madagascar (SAPM) as a whole, and specifically for marine protected areas (MPAs)?
Expanding Marine Protected Areas in Madagascar
A marine protected area (MPA) is a delimited coastal or aquatic territory dedicated to ensuring the long-term conservation of nature, ecosystem services, and associated cultural values. MPAs aim to protect species, particularly marine habitats, preserve or improve water quality, promote sustainable use of resources or sustainable development of maritime activities, and maintain cultural heritage.
Madagascar has identified critical places for marine biodiversity that require absolute protection and financing as marine protected areas. The existing 22 MPAs cover nearly 1.38 million hectares of marine habitats, representing approximately 10% of Madagascar’s marine surface. These MPAs preserve, among others, 30% of coral reefs and mangroves, which harbor significant marine biodiversity. They are complemented by locally managed marine areas. To increase the protection of marine habitats, the Government of Madagascar committed to tripling the number of marine protected areas at the World Parks Congress (Sydney, 2014). The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is implementing this promise with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the GEF6-AMP project.
According to a 2021 study by FAPBM, MPAs generate USD 182 million annually through fishing in protected marine areas and USD 10 million annually through fishing in protected mangroves. Consequently, financing marine protected areas are vital to preserving the socio-economic benefits provided by seas and oceans. Properly funded MPAs can generate measurable benefits. For example, Nosy Tanikely MPA, which attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per year, generates a return of USD 7,088 per hectare per year, totaling USD 52 million to 60 million annually, making it the most profitable protected area within SAPM.
To be effective and achieve their intended goals, marine areas require sustainable funding.
Financial needs of marine protected areas
In 2007, the management costs of MPAs in Madagascar were estimated to range from USD 4.54 to 8.72 per hectare per year. Extrapolated to the 22 MPAs, the funding requirements amount to between USD 6.26 million and 12.03 million annually. Financing for the protection of marine resources is essential for safeguarding natural heritage and biodiversity. These funds are crucial for monitoring marine protected areas, especially during fishing closures, to maintain the stability of marine species’ reproductive cycles. Furthermore, they support local development, particularly through responsible and eco-tourism activities. Last, these funds are used for marine restoration activities.
Through its strategic plan for 2022-2026, Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) aims to finance at least 12 marine protected areas by 2026 covering a total area of 851,000 hectares. It also advocates for the consolidation of sustainable funding mechanisms for existing and future marine areas. FAPBM is responsible for the financial management of the GEF6-AMP project. Join FAPBM in financing marine protected areas.
