Category: News

At the 11th Our Ocean Conference, June 16–18, 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya, WWF Madagascar launched the Marine Biodiversity and Community Resilience Facility (MCRF). This USD 11 million blended finance structure marks a transformative shift across the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO), connecting international finance directly with local community stewardship and moving away from traditional grant dependency. Building on a deep history of collaboration, WWF Madagascar and FAPBM1 have joined forces on the design and implementation of the facility—a partnership that will remain foundational as MCRF moves into operation. In this context, FAPBM, as the national Conservation Trust Fund (CTF), plays a dual role in co-designing and supporting the implementation of long-term financing mechanisms for marine conservation in Madagascar, ensuring alignment with the national conservation finance architecture. Empowering Coastal Communities as Chief Stewards of Nature Coastal communities are the primary guardians of marine ecosystems, proving locally led governance that delivers lasting conservation. …

On 28 and 29 April 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Antananarivo, key stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation came together at the initiative of WWF Madagascar with a shared objective: to lay the foundations for sustainable finance capable of supporting Madagascar’s ambitions under the 30×30 Plan. This strategic workshop, organised in a hybrid format, brought together public institutions, technical and financial partners, the private sector, conservation organisations such as FAPBM, and experts to address a central question: how can we mobilise long-term, coordinated and large-scale financing to sustainably preserve the country’s natural capital? A key objective of the workshop was to identify the most viable sustainable finance mechanisms for Madagascar, harmonise existing approaches and strengthen synergies between the various initiatives already underway in the country. The 30×30 plan: protecting biodiversity on a large scale The discussions helped to place the talks within the context of Madagascar’s international commitments, notably the …

In a context where environmental challenges demand increasingly coordinated and effective responses, the Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) held a high-level strategic meeting, marking an important milestone in the evolution of the country’s public environmental policies. Toward more coordinated environmental governance This meeting between Nolave Luck Aristide Andriatsihala, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, and Dr. Rija Ranaivoarison, Executive Director of FAPBM, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the coherence, effectiveness, and impact of actions taken in favor of Malagasy biodiversity. Beyond an institutional exchange, it signals a strategic convergence toward more integrated environmental governance, centered on concrete and lasting results. Capacity building: a key lever for conservation Among the priorities discussed, capacity building for sector stakeholders emerged as a central lever. The Competency Development program, funded by the Hempel Foundation and implemented with FAPBM support, is fully aligned …

Antananarivo, 9–10 April 2026 – The second edition of the CEO Summit Indian Ocean 2026 brought together economic decision-makers, investors, public institutions and regional partners around a shared ambition: to foster a more innovative, resilient and sustainable development model for Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region. Driven by a vision to promote the region as a hub of excellence, innovation and economic leadership, the event highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and the sharing of experiences in transforming current challenges into concrete and sustainable opportunities. Rethinking natural capital: an economic imperative At a time when environmental issues are gradually reshaping global economic models, the CEO Summit provided a forum for discussion on how businesses, financial institutions and public sector bodies can sustainably integrate natural capital considerations into their strategies. In Madagascar, this issue is of particular importance. Forests, water resources, biodiversity, fertile soils and marine ecosystems directly support key sectors …

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 …

On 2 and 3 April 2026, the 3rd edition of the Natural Capital Forum was held in Antananarivo, bringing together representatives from the government, the private sector, financial institutions, technical and financial partners, the academic world and civil society organisations. Organised under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) and led by the Natural Capital Madagascar Network, the Forum reaffirms a shared ambition: to make natural capital a strategic pillar of Madagascar’s sustainable development. Natural capital: a prerequisite for national sovereignty and stability The discussions highlighted a fundamental reality: in a country such as Madagascar, the preservation of ecosystems is not merely an environmental choice, but a prerequisite for economic security, social stability and national sovereignty. For too long, economic development and natural capital have been seen as mutually exclusive. Yet, in the case of Madagascar, this view constitutes a strategic error. Without secure water …

On September 16, 2025, Frankfurt hosted the donor roundtable on biodiversity financing for Madagascar. Co-organized by Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) and KfW Development Bank, with support from the German government, this meeting brought together major biodiversity financing stakeholders around a strategic question: how can we secure the future of Madagascar’s protected areas in the face of growing threats and needs? At a time when the biodiversity crisis is intensifying globally, Madagascar stands on the front line. The island is home to an exceptional natural wealth, with thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth. In this context, mobilizing sustainable and innovative funding is no longer optional — it is an absolute necessity. Madagascar: a unique natural heritage to protect To understand the importance of this roundtable, one must grasp what makes Madagascar truly exceptional. Separated from the African continent 165 million years ago, the island has developed …

From July 20 to 25, 2025, Madagascar hosted the International Primatological Society (IPS) World Congress for the second time in its history. For five days, the capital Antananarivo became the global epicenter of primate research and conservation, bringing together more than 800 researchers, experts, NGOs, international institutions, and local stakeholders. For FAPBM, a committed partner in the protection of protected areas and endemic Malagasy species, this event marked a strategic turning point. It highlighted Madagascar’s unique role in primate preservation and the need to strengthen collective efforts for biodiversity conservation. A landmark event for science and conservation The choice of Madagascar as host country was no coincidence. The island is considered a true biodiversity sanctuary, home to more than 110 lemur species, 90% of which are endemic. This exceptional richness, combined with the growing threats to their habitats, makes Madagascar both a symbolic and strategic location for discussing global primatology …

In 2025, Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) celebrates twenty years of funding and action in service of Malagasy nature. Since its creation in 2005, FAPBM has become Africa’s leading private trust fund for biodiversity conservation, sustainably financing the management of protected areas in Madagascar and contributing to the socioeconomic development of local communities. This anniversary marks a turning point. Twenty years on, FAPBM relies on a solid capital base of USD 157 million, funds 75 protected areas across the country, and mobilizes institutional partners, local NGOs, and communities every day to safeguard this unique natural heritage. Above all, this celebration is an opportunity to look ahead and reaffirm a core ambition: protecting our protected areas — a living legacy for future generations. “Our mission is clear: to protect today, so that we may inspire wonder tomorrow.” — Dr. Rija RANAIVOARISON, Executive Director of FAPBM A vital mission for …

Antananarivo, 25 July 2024 – Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM), in partnership with the Varuna program financed by the French Development Agency and coordinated by Expertise France, the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) through the Varuna – Sciences of Sustainability project and REMAPSEN Madagascar (African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and the Environment – Madagascar), officially launched the second edition of the reporting competition called ” Media #ForProtectedAreas ” on 25th, July at a press conference held at the Hotel Colbert Antaninarenina. This FAPBM initiative aims to encourage and support journalists with a passion for biodiversity to produce original reports on local communities and experts involved in biodiversity conservation, as well as to highlight remote protected areas. Like the previous edition, this call for reporting projects highlights the crucial role of the media and journalists in raising public awareness and advocacy for biodiversity conservation. Celebrating …

On 20 June 2024, FAPBM held its 22nd Annual Meeting of Contributors at its capital in Fort-Dauphin. This privileged meeting provided an opportunity to consolidate the foundations of its donors’ confidence and to review the past year to discuss prospects with its contributors. The event was also marked by a visit to the Andohahela National Park, a World Heritage Site, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the ecological wealth that FAPBM is working to protect. Significant impact on biodiversity conservation With the continued support of its donors, notably the German bank KfW, AFD – Agence Française de Développement, the Malagasy government through the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, Conservation International and WWF, FAPBM has reached a crucial milestone in the growth of its activities. From 14.4 billion ariary at the end of 2022, FAPBM’s protected areas (PA) funding had grown to around 22.6 billion MGA by the end of …

JOINT PRESS RELEASE Antananarivo, 22 May 2024 – Madagascar Protected Area and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) and La Teinturerie – Association d’artistes have officially launched the third edition of “Art and Biodiversity” call for projects on the occasion of the International Biodiversity Day (IBD). Since 2022, “Art and Biodiversity” project has offered annual financial support and technical assistance to three (3) cultural initiatives that contribute to the protection and conservation of biodiversity in Madagascar. “Be part of the plan”, everyone has a role to play As in previous editions, the call for projects is based on the theme of the 2024 IBD: “Be part of the plan1 ”, a call to action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Thanks to a partnership with the Association le Loko, based in Diégo, the project takes on an even dimension broader. The competition encourages artists to explore the links between biodiversity and human life, …

The FAPBM is proud to announce that Rindra Ny Aina MIARIVOLOLONA has joined its team. With a degree in Organisational Communication from CNTEMAD, Rindra joined the FAPBM in 2023. She has solid experience in the communications sector, having worked for a leading agency in the organisation of international events in Madagascar and then for a multi-sector group. She has chosen to put her skills to work for biodiversity by joining the FAPBM. Her role is to deploy communication strategies to publicise the Foundation’s actions and get local communities involved. A keen communicator and fervent admirer of biodiversity, she says: ‘I’ve always respected nature and the environment, so when I had the opportunity to combine my passion for communication and preserving our wonderful biodiversity, I decided to do my bit for a better future for Madagascar and its communities, because there’s so much we can do to benefit everyone’. Rindra’s arrival …

Dear partners, As we close this year of 2023, which has been rich in achievements and challenges, I would like to take a moment to reflect on our shared journey and express my gratitude to each and every one of you who has helped to make this year a memorable one for the Madagascar Protected Area and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM). This year has been marked by significant achievements and challenges successfully met thanks to the various alliances put in place, in particular, the financing of the Hempel Foundation and the effective implementation of the Fire Emergency Fund in favour of Madagascar National Parks (MNP), the Menabe Antimena Protected Area and the protected areas of the Boeny region. These are memorable initiatives that bear witness to our determination to preserve our natural wealth. FAPBM also highlighted the role of local communities as major players in conservation, thanks to the success of …

Bordered by the RN2, near Mantadia and Analamazaotra Parks, Maromizaha Reserve (Alaotra Mangoro Region), once degraded by slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy) and unsustainable exploitation, now thrives as a focal point where nature and local communities prosper hand in hand, offering promising ecotourism potential. Managed with passion by GERP and financially supported by FAPBM since 2015, Maromizaha Protected Area stands out for its dense humid forest, housing endemic treasures such as lemurs, orchids, and precious woods. Maromizaha provides essential ecosystem services to surrounding communities. Its water sources support the daily lives of local populations, while the forest wealth of the protected area allows villagers to heal using medicinal plants. These elements form the basis of a unique ecological experience for visitors. Meeting committed communities, a human experience Maromizaha, with its exceptional biodiversity, is the result of community commitment to conservation. Supported by FAPBM, the community engages in sectors such as beekeeping and …

The decisive role of aggregators At the heart of the DIANA region, Kobaby Project, funded by AFD, embodies an innovative approach by bringing together key economic players in some sector “aggregators”. These aggregators, acting as intermediaries between production organizations and market operators, play a crucial role in conserving natural resources while stimulating local economic development. Four sector aggregators have been trained, receiving dedicated grants to promote four essential sectors: fragrant rice led by Soa Network, honey, fruits led by Helvetas, and fishing led by Sahanala. Conservation of natural resources The initiative goes beyond simply promoting sectors; it is resolutely committed to preserving the local ecosystem. Farmers and dealers, aware of the vital importance of the irrigation network for the surrounding paddy fields, have committed to reinvesting a portion of their profits to ensure the security of wetland areas in the Northern Region. These contributions are essential to finance conservation efforts …

Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM) has provided equipment grants to experts and local communities in protected areas. In this regard, 30 protected areas have received material support for firefighting and mobility, for a total amounting to 664 million MGA. This in-kind contribution complements the annual grants awarded to strengthen efforts to preserve the essential ecosystem services that protected areas provide. An essential contribution to firefighting Protected areas play a crucial role in biodiversity preservation and ecosystem protection, supporting key economic sectors such as fishing, tourism, and hydroelectric energy. However, managers of these protected areas face various challenges, including firefighting for terrestrial protected areas. Through improved fire management, FAPBM-funded protected areas have been able to limit deforestation to approximately 0.67% since 2021 (FAPBM Annual Report, 2022). FAPBM strengthens these encouraging results by targeting a substantial part of this grant to the most vulnerable forest ecosystems, particularly the dry forests …

In preparation for the imminent launch of its mobile application, Madagascar Lemurs Portal’s team conducted a test of the tool with FAPBM and GERP staff at Analamazaotra National Park in Andasibe, led by Lova Truong Rakotoarimanana, Lemurs Portal Project Manager. Madagascar Lemurs Portal is an innovative mobile application that allows users to discover lemurs and contribute to the inventory of species found. Financed by FAPBM and Re:wild the American Foundation, and implemented by GERP and a team of dedicated experts, this innovative application contributes to the promotion of ecotourism and environmental education, and above all to the proper management of lemur habitats, which are protected areas. Helping the ecological monitoring of lemurs in protected areas For almost two years, the experts at Madagascar Lemurs Portal have been implementing a series of innovations to enable everyone to contribute to the ecological monitoring of lemurs in protected areas. Protected area managers, in …

Announced on July 20, the winners of the Art and Biodiversity project – Vony Ranala, Encoder Experiment and Hoby Andria – are now presenting their works to the public. As a reminder, the Art and Biodiversity project is a joint initiative of the Association La Teinturerie and FAPBM, which aims to raise awareness of the need to preserve biodiversity and protected areas through cultural activities. The artists’ residency began with a visit to the Maromizaha Protected Area in Andasibe. It gave the three winning artists a better understanding of the importance of biodiversity and protected areas in the lives of communities, a new feature of this second edition. They had the opportunity to discover the ecosystem services provided by the reserve, in particular its water sources and medicinal plants, and to talk to the Maromizaha community and learn more about the income-generating activities of the local communities. What an enriching …

Sambava, October 6, 2023 – The Platforms of Protected Area Managers (PFGAP) of the North, including DIANA, SAVA, SOFIA and Analanjirofo regions, have laid the foundations for an interregional platform with the support of WWF, and held a workshop on the economic importance of protected areas of the North, in collaboration with Madagascar Protected Areas and Biodiversity Fund (FAPBM). The governorates of the DIANA, SAVA and SOFIA regions, the decentralised collectivities, the regional ministerial departments and the private sector have joined forces with protected areas (PA) managers and their technical and financial partners to promote sustainable and effective natural resource management at local and regional levels. An interregional platform for better cooperation  Nearly 45 PAs protect critical ecosystems in these regions. The management of PAs in these 4 regions deserves joint consideration. Despite the opportunities to serve the needs of local communities and sustainable development, these PAs face common challenges …