Strengthening ecotourism and other initiatives

Madagascar has launched a campaign to increase the aid it receives from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The presence of the GEF CEO in the country offers the state a strategic opportunity to enhance its lobbying efforts.

The requested 100 million USD in funding represents half of what Madagascar has received over the past thirty years. The country aims to secure this amount for the 9th funding cycle of the Global Environment Facility, which runs from 2026 to 2030. The government has expressed its desire to obtain a larger financial package for the next funding cycle on two occasions: first at the State Palace in Iavoloha, and again during the opening ceremony of the National Dialogue for the 8th GEF programming cycle at the Novotel in Alarobia.

The visit of GEF CEO Carlos Manuel Rodriguez to Madagascar officially marked the beginning of this advocacy campaign. Madagascar plays a crucial role in GEF funding within Africa, particularly in terms of investing financial resources in the management and preservation of its protected areas.

Increasing the GEF funding envelope is vital to addressing new challenges related to environmental preservation, including climate change adaptation and leveraging nature as a driver of economic development at both local and national levels.

The Rajoelina administration is also emphasizing its plans for fund allocation to persuade the GEF to increase its financial support. During yesterday’s meeting, the president expressed a strong desire to strengthen ecotourism and other activities, aiming to increase the income of families living in or near protected areas.