During the Fifth World Congress of Natural Parks, held in Durban from 8 to 17 September 2003, His Excellency Marc Ravalomanana, President of the Republic of Madagascar, stated his firm resolution to increase the protected areas in Madagascar from 1 700 000 ha to 6 000 000 ha within the next five years. Also, at least three marine protected areas will be created, along with protected areas in the humid zones, which are under-represented in the present national network of protected areas. Therefore, five years from now, Madagascar would have achieved the 10% target of the International Union for Nature Conservation. Within the framework of the Program Environment Phase III, Madagascar wants to implement a new mechanism in setting up the new conservation sites.

This is a great challenge for our country in relation to the efforts to be paid in the area of marine science and within the framework of a regional scientific cooperation.

In the matter of physical and chemical oceanography, it is very important to understand the different oceanic systems around Madagascar, since they influence the availability of biological resources along the coast of the Big Island.

In this regard, special attention is paid to the ecology and biology of fish resources in deep water, including the coelacanths because of the important role they play in our economy.

Since the achievement of these goals requires highly qualified scientists working in the different fields of marine science, Madagascar reckons on the ACEP Programme to promote capacity building.

Taking into account all the priorities mentioned above, Madagascar wants to contribute actively in the regional effort to improve the knowledge on the oceanic systems and on biological resources.

We endorse and encourage this initiative to develop a critical mass of scientists within the framework of a regional collaboration. We do wish that ACEP will contribute not only in the advance of marine science, but also in the harmonious development of our region.

Meet the Madagascan ACEP Team.

Learn more about Madagascar at the CIA World Fact Book.