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A step forward for marine conservation in Madagascar: Signing of the agreement for the creation of the Sainte-Marie marine and terrestrial protected area

Posted on 3 June 2025

From June 2 to 4, 2025, the island of Sainte-Marie hosted a major event for marine environmental protection: the official signing of the financing agreement for the creation of the Sainte-Marie Marine and Terrestrial Protected Area (MTPA). This ceremony took place as part of the national celebration of World Environment Day, under the theme “An Island for a Plastic-Free Future.”

The future MTPA, known as Sorkay, will cover an area of 265,000 hectares, making it an exceptionally large protected zone. This marine area is recognized as a major aggregation site for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which migrate there each year to reproduce. These cetaceans represent not only a significant tourist attraction but also a vital source of income for local communities. The vast zone is also home to remarkable marine habitats, with 4,100 hectares of coral reefs and 182 hectares of mangroves, making it an especially rich and sensitive ecosystem. These features could lead to Sorkay being recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area by the IUCN, further highlighting the critical importance of its protection.

The establishment of a marine protected area holds strategic importance for Madagascar. It contributes to the preservation of threatened marine ecosystems, secures fishery resources, strengthens the resilience of coastal communities to climate change, and ensures sustainable livelihoods. Through this project, Madagascar reaffirms its commitment to tripling the area of its MTPAs and enhancing the sustainable management of its marine heritage.
On June 2, at Hôtel l’Héritage, the GEF6-MPA project, GRET, and FAPBM formalized this partnership in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, local authorities, communities, and technical partners. During the speeches, emphasis was placed on the need for a collective effort, with active involvement of local communities in the governance and creation of the MTPA. The signing of this agreement also marks the official launch of activities funded to obtain the final status of the Sainte-Marie MTPA. It paves the way for operational implementation on the ground and reflects the stakeholders' determination to work together for a sustainable and equitable marine future.

In the long term, other partnerships—particularly with WCS—will further enhance this initiative. The event confirms the leading role of the GEF6-MPA project in advancing Madagascar’s environmental commitments and promoting responsible management of marine resources.