Following an unconstitutional change in government in March 2009, the U.S. government has suspended non-humanitarian aid to Madagascar. Thus, the Environment and Rural Development program is currently suspended.

Environment & Rural Development

	Working with those people close to natural resources is at the heart of USAID Environment and Rural Development program

The Challenge

Madagascar is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, at least 85% of natural wildlife, habitats and plants are unique. However, this island's natural heritage is severely threatened. Nearly 75% of Madagascar's population lives in remote rural areas with limited access to markets, health and government services. People in these areas rely almost solely on natural resources for their livelihood. A lack of alternative livelihoods, coupled with high population growth and insecure food supplies, exerts pressure on biodiverse areas. The deforestation that results from slash and burn agriculture and unsustainable use of forest resources poses a significant threat to biodiversity in Madagascar. Since 1950, forest cover has shrunk from 25% to 15%: over 1 million hectares destroyed since 1990. Deforestation is leading to extinction and endangerment of species, watershed destruction, land degradation, and further poverty.

Good governance of natural resource use, such as logging and mining, remains a challenge even as extractive industries are expanding. Communities must be empowered to co-manage their resources and leadership and management skills must be expanded at all levels for successful biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.

USAID Response

For almost two decades, USAID has provided significant resources for the creation and maintenance of a healthy environment, working in poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation.

Programs aim to strengthen natural resource management and conserve Madagascar's diverse ecosystems while improving the well-being of those people dependent upon them. To reach these interdependent goals, we balance strategic policy and technical assistance at the national, regional and local levels, with interventions in ecoregions specifically targeted to preserve functioning and interconnected systems of species, habitats and natural processes. We partner environment and rural development with health and economic growth to mitigate threats to biodiversity, increase food security, and improve rural livelihoods.

Our vision for the future is that:
The government and people of Madagascar successfully plan, manage, and evaluate their own conservation and natural resource management.Communities that live in and around protected areas benefit from their natural heritage and serve as effective stewards. Innovation is encouraged and successes are shared and replicated.

Priority Areas:
    Biodiversity Conservation
    Rural Livelihoods
    Food Security
    Good Governance & Natural Resource Management

CLIMATE CHANGE

Creates challenges to a healthy environment and rural development through intensified droughts, floods, and cyclones.