Safeguarding biodiversity and enhancing livelihoods along Madagascar’s north-western coastal region

Katerina Katopis, Ocean Image Bank

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Mangrove restoration in Madagascar

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North-western coast, Madagascar

Mangrove restoration: a lifeline for nature and communities

Protecting and restoring mangroves along Madagascar’s northwest coast benefits nature, people, and businesses. It safeguards biodiversity while improving livelihoods.

Restoring mangrove forests prevents floods, conserves biodiversity, and protects the coast. Mangroves are critical habitats for thousands of species, including threatened ones, and enhance fisheries that support the 210 million people living within 10 km of them.

Despite hosting Africa’s 4th most extensive mangrove system, Madagascar lost 59,000 hectares of mangroves between 1995 and 2018. This loss is driven by agriculture, aquaculture, and logging. Restoring mangroves here is essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well-being.

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Project Info

Location

North-western coast, Madagascar

BNC focus

Conservation and restoration of mangrove forests

Funding duration

15 months (2022 – 2025)

Project developer

Project Partner

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More information

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Podcast

Our Investing for Ocean Impact podcast series explores all aspects of Blue Carbon, including investment strategies, financing solutions, project management, and how local communities can participate and benefit. In the episodes below, we talk about the ideas behind Nature-based Solutions as long-term investments:

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The BNC solution: restoring Madagascar’s mangroves

Since 2007, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and UNIMA have collaborated to restore mangroves in Madagascar. This project targets 2,088 hectares across three critical sites on the northwestern coast. Activities include planting mangroves, training local leaders, and expanding carbon credit sales. Following a successful pilot phase, the initiative seeks to scale its impact.

How BCAF supports safeguarding biodiversity and livelihoods in Madagascar

With assistance from BCAF, the project will undergo a feasibility assessment and develop plans for carbon credit certification. This initiative focuses on mangrove restoration, enhancing biodiversity, increasing fish stocks, and creating sustainable income opportunities through activities like crab farming and carbon credit sales.

Impacts created

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Nature

Restoring mangroves will sequester 530,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 30 years. This effort strengthens mangrove ecosystems, improves soil and water quality, and supports habitats for diverse species, including those classified as threatened by the IUCN Red List.

People

Mangrove restoration enhances protection against cyclones and coastal erosion, increases access to fresh water, and creates jobs in nurseries, restoration, and monitoring activities. These efforts improve resilience and livelihood security for local communities.

Business

Carbon credits generated through Emission Reductions Payment Agreements (ERPAs) will provide sustainable income. Early-stage credits will be sold to secure funding, while future credits will be sold at a premium. Crab farming introduces an additional income stream for the community.

Calls for Proposals

There are no open calls for proposals. Sign up for email alerts to be notified of the next call and receive updates on BNCFF and BCAF projects, lessons learned, and more, or email us at bluenaturalcapital@iucn.org.