Country Comments

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It’s sheer wealth of biodiversity yields new discoveries of species every year. However the landscape continues to be dramatically transformed by a nation with a very high fertility rate of over 4 children per woman that is adding over 700,000 citizens a year. Still the country can withstand an increase in its population due to its impoverishment (low consumption per person) and its substantial renewable resources on land and in the sea. However the growing population continues to have increasing deleterious consequences to its natural world.

Madagascar has one of the highest number of endangered species on the IUCN’s red list.

Mongabay reports its bountiful marine resources are experiencing overexploitation because of poor governance, opaque decision-making, and widespread poverty. In many parts of Madagascar, fisherfolk are dipping into accessible reserves to sustain themselves. However, they are also feeding global demand, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation. Nearly all 115 lemur species are endangered, and a third are on the brink of extinction. (1)

Equal rights are extended to each citizen through the Constitution. However, when it comes to women’s empowerment in Madagascar, there still remains a gap in society. Stereotypes and traditional customs are still practiced in Madagascar that inhibit gender equality, although there are efforts within the country to address and improve women’s and children’s health and welfare.

(1) https://news.mongabay.com/2020/12/top-environment-stories-from-madagascar-in-2020/