Madagascar pledges to centre women in ocean conservation
The island nation joins Belize in a global initiative to integrate female leadership into marine strategies and blue economies.
Madagascar has pledged to integrate women's leadership into national marine conservation strategies and blue economies. This commitment was made at the UN Biodiversity Conference (CoP17) as part of the Women Ocean Guardians Initiative. The global public-private partnership aims to place women at the forefront of ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Andrianirina Harinaivo Fanomezantsoa, Madagascar’s Coordonnateur Général, stated that women in Madagascar are vital team players in marine conservation and coastal community development. They serve in roles such as rangers, saving group leaders, park managers, and technical department leads. Madagascar joins 14 other governments that have made similar pledges.
The Women Ocean Guardians Initiative seeks to address gaps in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 23 on gender equality, which remains the least advanced global goal. Management effectiveness and inclusive governance are identified as primary challenges for achieving the 30x30 ocean protection goal.
Why it mattersMadagascar's commitment will integrate women into national marine conservation strategies and blue economies, impacting coastal communities and resource management.