Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Madagascar

Project Title

Adapting coastal zone management to climate change in Madagascar considering ecosystem and livelihoods

Key Figures:

Budget: USD 5.34 million (Co-finance USD 12.05 million)
Executing Entity: Ministry of Environment and Forests
Area rehabilitated: 350 ha mangroves
Beneficiaries: 20,800 people
Fund: Least Developed Countries Fund
Timeframe: 2014 - 2020

Description

The increased frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards (including floods, droughts and tropical storms) is threatening the livelihoods, health and well-being of populations living in the coastal zones of Madagascar. Most local communities in these areas live below the poverty line and rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture and coastal resources to support their livelihoods. The project aims to address the adverse effects of climate change on the coastal communities in four regions of Madagascar.

For example, UNEP is helping the government to support communities to rehabilitate mangrove habitats and other shoreline vegetation, which can provide natural flood defenses and protection against sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Hard coastal protection infrastructure (sea-wall and groynes) will also be rehabilitated to complement the natural infrastructure interventions. Efforts are underway to climate-proof and diversify local livelihoods to increase resilience towards unpredictable changes in climate. These activities include the diversification of crops, the introduction of improved agricultural, fishing and crab production techniques, and modified fishing calendars that avoid overfishing by accounting for new climate parameters and the spawning and breeding times of different species. These activities reduce the need for land clearing and mangrove deforestation while generating income and food production.