Efforts to establish a dynamic and sustainable blue economy in Madagascar continue. Significant results have been achieved, but many challenges remain.
According to experts, the blue economy involves the exploitation of all marine and inland waters and their resources for economic growth, while preserving ecosystems. This definition emphasizes the conservation of ecological habitats and associated species, with particular focus on the sustainable exploitation and use of resources for the benefit of the economy and local populations. Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Madagascar, during the presentation of its 2024 report, reiterated this principle before highlighting the advances made by the country in the field of the blue economy. These advancements range from developments in aquaculture to infrastructure, as well as the fight against illegal fishing and support for sector stakeholders.
Ambitions for 2025 were also highlighted.
These prospects focus on modernization, training, and the strengthened promotion of the blue economy, a sector considered crucial for ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Priorities include the production of more than forty million fish fry and the establishment of one thousand five hundred fish ponds. Maritime surveillance is also expected to be strengthened with the acquisition of drones and the mobilization of twenty-one fleets. This also includes the establishment of financing mechanisms to support entrepreneurs in the sector, the creation of a fisheries school in Faux Cap, in the Anosy region, and the establishment of a maritime atlas.
The blue economy plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing more than 7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and more than 10% when port activities and blue tourism are included. In 2024, this sector made notable progress, with fishery exports reaching 26,541 tons, generating 731 billion ariary. Additionally, 2,272 collection permits generated 3.8 billion ariary in royalties, while 122 fishing licenses generated 30.1 billion ariary. This performance is also attributed to improved infrastructure and enhanced technical support. The island currently has 11,392 functional aquaculture sites, supported by training programs and the distribution of 57,144 aquaculture inputs.
Several recommendations have been issued Technical and financial partners acknowledge the efforts made by the ministry to boost the sector’s growth and ensure its sustainability. However, they believe the country can do even better. In this perspective, WWF, a global nature protection organization that has been active in Madagascar for decades, has made recommendations that should shape the future of the blue economy on the island.
The initial recommendations focus on preserving and restoring ecological habitats to ensure the productivity, integrity, and connectivity of ecosystems. It was specified that a framework for identifying marine and coastal ecosystems, habitats, biodiversity, and species in Madagascar must be updated to strengthen conservation priorities.
The NGO also notes that management and conservation actions must strengthen and recognize the rights of coastal communities, who play a central role in the development of the blue economy and local governance. To promote long-term blue financing, it is essential to implement stricter measures to prevent illegal activities such as IUU fishing, while adopting robust precautionary measures to protect oceans from potential ecological impacts.
Marine Spatial Planning
It is also recommended to reorient funding towards more sustainable activities. « Sustainable mechanisms focused on financing and market development improve value chains and promote innovative financing initiatives, » it was emphasized before noting that decisions should be based on research and science to improve data availability and decision-making.
However, it is important to note that Madagascar is not starting from scratch to advance the sustainable blue economy. Various initiatives have already been undertaken. They support, among other things, the expansion and consolidation of the network of marine protected areas and help establish conservation priorities for key biodiversity zones. It is also worth recalling that Madagascar signed the charter establishing the SADC Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC), dedicated to the collective fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In addition to the principles of the sustainable blue economy, the implementation of marine spatial planning (MSP) is seen as a means to maintain the balance between environmental conservation and economic development. This refers to a process that particularly considers integrated management principles based on ecosystems, human rights, and climate change. In the Diana region, for example, about a hundred stakeholders have been identified and consulted, including government institutions, private sector members, and civil society actors. In this framework, the MSP process acts as a bridge between communities and policymakers, allowing community representatives to make their voices heard and ensuring their views are considered and addressed in the establishment of marine policy frameworks.
Betting on Inclusion
It is also noted that the principle of inclusion is not limited to ocean governance; it applies to all aspects. An example highlighting coastal communities at the center of sustainable financial flows on the Mahafaly coastline in southwestern Madagascar, with algae farming, illustrates this aspect. In this part of the island, communities benefit from training, capacity-building, and equipment donations to ensure their production meets standards. This win-win partnership with the private sector ensures stable income for communities while compensating for the loss of income due to weather events or the effects of climate change on their livelihoods.
When communities practice coastal agriculture, it is estimated that the pressures on reefs are reduced, which allows for fish stock replenishment. It also ensures sustainable algae production for export, guaranteeing foreign currency inflows and fostering entrepreneurship. « The sustainable blue economy is underway in Madagascar, from the country’s Blue Policy Letter written in 2015 to the creation of its Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy in 2021. With an intersectoral and integrated approach, the country will surely move towards achieving Target 6 of the Sustainable Development Goal 14 by focusing on coordination between the different sectors and actors involved in the blue economy to maximize economic benefits while preserving the integrity of ecosystems, » stated WWF.
FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE – A Strategic Sector
With 5,603 km of coastline, 1,144,000 km² of Exclusive Economic Zone, 155,000 ha of lakes, forty rivers and streams totaling more than 9,000 km in length, Madagascar has significant potential in terms of fishery resources and blue economy. The fishing sector alone represents 5.5% of the national GDP and contributes over 10 billion ariary in non-tax revenue to the state. Moreover, it is a sector that contributes to food and nutritional security, constituting about 20% of animal protein consumption. Creating 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, fishing and aquaculture sustain nearly 1.5 million people.
To ensure the sustainable management and exploitation of these potentials, the government has demonstrated its political will by establishing a dedicated ministry. Its responsibilities include designing, implementing, and coordinating the state’s general policy related to the promotion of the blue economy and the sustainable, fair, equitable, and responsible use of marine and fishery resources. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Code serves as a reference framework ensuring good governance in the sector.
Several major initiatives to strengthen the fishery sector and promote the country’s blue economy have been launched since the beginning of this year. Notably, the inauguration of a fish feed factory by Arbiochem in Ambohimangakely. According to the supervising minister, Dr. Paubert Mahatante, this large-scale production unit dedicated to the manufacture of carp and tilapia feed is the first of its kind in the country. With an annual capacity of 10,000 tons, this factory aims to support the development of sustainable aquaculture in Madagascar, reducing dependence on imports and enhancing food self-sufficiency in fish.
The government official also emphasized the importance of bringing production closer to consumers to guarantee competitive prices and ensure food security for the people of the island. Furthermore, in response to growing global demand, he particularly highlighted crab farming as a solution to complement wild fishing and ensure a regular supply while preserving natural ecosystems such as mangroves. Partnerships with countries experienced in aquaculture, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, are being considered to modernize practices and increase national production.
The need to train and raise awareness among new fishermen, often former farmers retooled due to drought, on safety rules and weather forecasts was also mentioned. The minister also highlighted the construction of a fisheries school in Androy to strengthen these efforts.
Lastly, it is worth noting the upcoming African Youth Forum on the Blue Economy (FOJAEB) to be held in Madagascar in April 2025. The event will be co-organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy and the Pan-African Organization for Blue Economy Youth. « These actions illustrate our commitment to invigorating the fishing and blue economy sector in Madagascar, focusing on innovation, sustainability, youth inclusion, and the safety of fishing communities, » also stated Dr. Paubert Mahatante.
VERBATIM
Manuel Barange, Director of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division:
« Our strategy is clear. When we engage with countries, we assess the legal framework and political environment supporting the development of the blue economy. We seek to attract investments by collaborating with the private sector. Capacity-building initiatives ensure the transfer of technical knowledge, while infrastructure development is coordinated with countries and funding organizations, particularly regarding safety nets related to disease control and environmental challenges. »
Rado Rakotosoa, Director General of Blue Economy:
« Madagascar is intensifying its efforts to promote the sustainable blue economy with a particular focus on training and supporting projects related to fishing and aquaculture. Recently, a strategic partnership agreement was signed with the Malagasy Fund for Vocational Training (FMFP). This cooperation expands support to associations responsible for managing and operating infrastructures set up by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. A coordination and monitoring plan will be established to ensure the sustainability of initiatives. »
THE BLUE ECONOMY IN NUMBERS
Source: L’Express de Madagascar
