Antananarivo, 18 March 2026 – A new collaborative initiative is taking shape to reconcile biodiversity conservation and economic development in Madagascar. Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM), Bôndy International S.A.R.L and Baobab Banque Madagascar have officially sealed a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Through this framework for cooperation, the three partners aim to support local economic initiatives with a strong environmental and social impact, whilst reducing pressure on natural ecosystems. The objective is clear: to strengthen the resilience of communities living near protected areas, whilst making biodiversity a driver of development.
A shared vision: making biodiversity a driver of development
This partnership is based on an integrated approach: that of inclusive sustainable development for the country, where the protection of biodiversity becomes a catalyst for economic opportunities for local communities.
It is structured around several priority areas:
- Promoting sustainable energy solutions, particularly through the distribution of improved stoves;
- Developing sustainable agricultural and forestry sectors such as beekeeping and agroforestry;
- Restoring critical ecosystems, such as mangroves and dry forests;
- Supporting community initiatives that are resilient to climate change;
- Exploring emerging sectors with high ecological and economic potential.
- Through these actions, the partners aim to demonstrate that it is possible to generate tangible impacts for both communities and ecosystems.
FAPBM, a key player at the heart of the initiative
At the heart of this collaboration, FAPBM plays a key role as a strategic and institutional facilitator. As Africa’s first conservation trust fund dedicated to the sustainable financing of biodiversity, the Foundation brings unique expertise in channelling investments towards mechanisms that are compatible with conservation objectives.
Building on its strong position, FAPBM is now expanding its scope of action by promoting innovative approaches that bring together the private sector, finance and conservation – an ambition already demonstrated through initiatives such as BRIDGE project or its investments in impact mechanisms.
Complementary expertise for tangible results
This three-way partnership is built on complementary expertise. Bôndy International will draw on its expertise in agroforestry and the development of green supply chains, offering innovative solutions that incorporate digital technologies in particular. For its part, Baobab Banque Madagascar, building on its commitment to financial inclusion, will deploy its financial instruments to support high-potential local initiatives.
In this context, finance becomes a genuine lever for transformation, enabling support for projects that balance environmental impact, economic inclusion and regional development.
Towards new models of biodiversity financing
Beyond the implementation of specific projects, this partnership reflects a broader shift in conservation financing models in Madagascar. In the face of the global biodiversity funding gap, innovative mechanisms—combining trust funds, impact investments and private sector stakeholders—are becoming essential.
FAPBM, as a pioneer in Africa, is fully committed to this approach by facilitating the emergence of hybrid and sustainable solutions. This memorandum of understanding thus represents an important step towards the development of an integrated financing ecosystem capable of simultaneously addressing the country’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.
A shared commitment to Madagascar
Through this partnership, FAPBM, Bôndy International and Baobab Banque Madagascar reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting innovative, sustainable and inclusive solutions.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in building bridges between biodiversity conservation, economic development and financial inclusion. This is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for Madagascar’s ecosystems and communities.
