Madagascar is a country vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and one of the countries most exposed to climate risks. The pressures exerted on the environment are numerous: overexploitation of natural resources, trafficking of rare species, deforestation, selective logging, etc. “Given the scale of the changes, it is no longer possible to find a specific and independent response to each part of the problem. It is essential to seek integral solutions that take into account the interactions of natural systems with each other and with social systems. There are not two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but a single, complex socio-environmental crisis. The possibilities for solutions require an integral approach to combat poverty, to restore dignity to the excluded and simultaneously to preserve nature.”

As reported by Centre Arrupe, Madagascar (CA MDG), the first half of 2024 was marked by a strong commitment to safeguarding our common home and environmental education. Discover the main activities and their impacts. 

Building Skills for a Sustainable Future

In April 2024, two major trainings were organized: one at (Centre Arrupe, Madagascar) CA MDG on April 3 and the other in Morondava on April 27. These sessions addressed environmental influence and lobbying strategies, bringing together 28 and 31 participants respectively to develop key skills in environmental advocacy. This training provided participants with an in-depth understanding of lobbying strategies and influence techniques, which are essential for defending environmental issues and encouraging sustainable policies. These initiatives are part of CA MDG’s ongoing commitment to promoting concrete actions for the preservation of our environment and the promotion of sustainable development.

Exploring the Climate Challenges of the Menabe Region

On April 26, 2024, CA MDG had the pleasure of organizing a key conference in Morondava, entitled “Ny Fiatrehana ny Fiovan’ny Toetrandro Amin’ny Faritra Menabe”  (Adaptation to climate change in the Menabe region) .  This event brought together 57  participants passionate about environmental issues and adaptation strategies to the challenges of climate change in the  Menabe region, one of the target regions of the LIFEE (Life and Environmental Education) project. It was a powerful moment to explore the impacts of climate change and discuss local solutions to address them.  adaptation strategies to the challenges of climate change in the  Menabe region, one of the target regions of the LIFEE (Life and Environmental  Education) project. It was a powerful moment to explore the impacts of  climate change and discuss local solutions to address them.

Engaging the Community for a Healthier Environment

On February 10-11, Green Weekend 2024 attracted 150 participants for competitive games and a climate mural with 32 young people who took part in an educational activity to better understand the cause and effect relationships of climate change. This workshop allowed participants to visualize and analyze the impacts of climate change through an artistic and collaborative approach.

On February 11, a reforestation action in Ambohitraivo was carried out where 300 people collaborated to plant 3,000 seedlings. This initiative contributed to the restoration of green spaces and the fight against deforestation, a step further towards a more sustainable future for our common home.

On April 24, CA MDG is raising awareness about climate change by organizing an environmental education session at Collège Catholique Saint Eugène de Mazenod in Tsimahavaobe, Morondava. Students had the opportunity to learn about the impacts of climate change and explore solutions to protect our environment.

Ensure the growth of young plants.

On  June 5, 2024 , CA MDG continued its mission with a  seedling maintenance, ensuring the healthy growth of 2,191 previously planted seedlings. This commitment reflects the desire to support reforestation initiatives and ensure their long-term success. This maintenance is much more than a simple maintenance task; it is part of our  long-term commitment to reforestation and the fight against climate change. The Training and Research Center firmly believes that the success of these seedlings is an essential step towards achieving its reforestation and conservation goals. This is why CA MDG invests time and effort to give them the best possible start.

 Special Events  for the Common House 

In March, CA MDG had the honor of participating in the World Meteorological Day Fair. This event was a real highlight to discuss advances in climate forecasting and raise public awareness of current weather issues. An opportunity for the center to present its mission and vision for safeguarding our common home. This event was also an opportunity to meet industry experts and engage in enriching discussions on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

On June 18, CA MDG attended the PAGE2 GIZ project closing open day at Analakely City Hall. This event was a moment of celebration and assessment for this ambitious project that highlighted the priority climate actions carried out in recent years.

Then, as a member of the AIKA Alliance, CA MDG had the pleasure of participating in the AIKA Bootcamp in Antananarivo, a strategic event designed to structure the Alliance. This bootcamp brought together young people from all regions of Madagascar to develop common initiatives for sustainable development. Together, we worked on innovative projects, shared ideas and defined strategies to strengthen our collective impact. This bootcamp was a space for dynamic collaboration and creation, thus strengthening the links between the members of the AIKA Alliance and laying the foundations for future actions for sustainable development.

These events were an opportunity for the Arrupe Madagascar Center to further commit to a sustainable future and to build meaningful partnerships with key players in the sector. 

By, Communication Officer,

Centre Arrupe, Madagascar (CA-MDG).