Prior to the pandemic, Madagascar was climbing in relative political and economic stability. With GDP growth of 4.4% in 2019 and promising leadership, Madagascar was promised a bright future.

When the pandemic hit, Madagascar like the rest of the world, entered into lockdown including closing local businesses and placing restrictions on international travel; closing their borders to the world. This hit the economy hard.

With tourism declined, people have been turning to other modes of living including expanding cattle grazing or burning forests for charcoal production – thereby having detrimental effects on surrounding rainforests and natural habitats.

As agricultural pressures increased, so did pressures on the environment. According to the Africa Development Bank Group, the prosperous future of Madagascar will take time to recover with job loss at 27% and an account deficit of 5%. With the new strain of COVID spreading and without accessible and adequate vaccines, the future remains grim.   

Analysis

Climate change policies and human right protection of people in most developing countries could benefit from the One Health Approach which promotes interactions between human, animal and environmental health.  Planet Madagascar is one such an organization exemplifying this approach as it works with and for the communities of Madagascar to push for environmental sustainability. The locals receive work from Planet Madagascar to promote environmental restoration