United States Doubles Investment in the Environment Sector with Launch of Three New Activities

ANTANANARIVO – On May 16, the United States joined the Minister of Environment and
Sustainable Development, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and a diverse set of stakeholders
in Antananarivo to launch a suite of new United States Agency for International Development
(USAID)-funded activities in the environment sector. This launch event was complemented by a fair
that showcased 20 USAID partners and stakeholders working in conservation and sustainable
business development.

The three new USAID activities represent an investment of $41 million in conservation and
environmental governance in Madagascar over the next five years. At the launch event, the United
States Ambassador to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros Claire Pierangelo stated, “The
U.S. government is doubling our investment in Madagascar's environment with these three new
activities and solidifying our unwavering commitment to the conservation and sustainable
management of Madagascar's invaluable biodiversity and natural resources. We recognize the critical
importance of these marine and land ecosystems to the health of the population and the economy.”

USAID Harena (treasure), implemented by DAI, is a land-based project that will work near
protected areas to improve livelihoods, strengthen conservation efforts, and reduce threats to
biodiversity. USAID Riake (ocean), implemented by the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal
Resources Center, will focus on marine conservation and spatial planning while improving coastal
livelihoods. The third activity, USAID Mizana (scales of justice), is implemented by Alliance Voahary
Gasy, and will use advocacy and anti-corruption strategies to improve environmental governance.
These three activities will collaborate closely and will operate in the regions of Menabe, Atsimo
Andrefana, Atsimo Atsinanana, DIANA, Analanjirofo, SAVA, Androy, and Vatovavy Fitovinany.

The launch ceremony ended with a call to action by the USAID Sustainable Environment and
Economic Development Office Director, Benjamin Skolnik, “Madagascar has an ambitious vision for
its future. Let’s work together to achieve our common goal of a thriving environment, and a thriving
Madagascar.”

The USAID partners’ fair event promoted collaboration and networking amongst entities working in
the environment and sustainable business sector. The organizations present at the event highlighted
numerous innovations to boost economic development while also promoting environmental
protection. For example, Miarakap is an impact investment firm that supports conservation-friendly
Malagasy businesses, such as bio-charcoal, recycled plastic, and a new type of brick for construction
that do not require wood-fired kilns. Another company, Jiro Ve, provides clean access to energy for
rural communities through rechargeable solar lanterns and efficient cookstoves for schools. These
companies improve environmental outcomes by reducing dependency on wood and charcoal, which
is vital to protect remaining forests in Madagascar.

Since 2013, the U.S. government has committed nearly $125 million in programs that combat wildlife
and precious hardwood trafficking, strengthen natural resource governance, improve forest and
marine management, and partner with the private sector to increase economic opportunities for
local communities in Madagascar.

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