The Agence Portuaire, Maritime et Fluviale (APMF) and Madagascar National Parks (MNP) signed a partnership agreement on October 28, aimed at strengthening marine environmental protection and biodiversity conservation across the nine (09) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) managed by MNP throughout Madagascar.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions, whose respective missions are complementary. Madagascar National Parks is responsible for managing the country’s national network of protected areas, while APMF oversees maritime navigation safety and security, as well as the prevention of pollution from ships, particularly in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
The partnership provides for several concrete actions, including strengthening maritime surveillance around protected areas, exchanging information, conducting studies on the impacts of navigation on marine ecosystems, and developing technical proposals concerning maritime traffic management and navigation marking. It also includes initiatives to raise awareness among sea users, promote sustainable nautical tourism, and mobilize funding to support joint projects.
Through this collaboration, the two institutions aim to improve the detection and reporting of suspicious activities, illegal discharges and situations that could pose environmental risks. Particular attention will be given to identifying pollution risks associated with oil, hazardous substances, wastewater and waste generated by ships.
This agreement therefore reflects a shared commitment to mobilizing maritime, port and environmental expertise in support of the conservation of Madagascar’s marine ecosystems. Its implementation will respect the legal and regulatory responsibilities of each institution, as well as the mandates of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), without directly introducing new navigation rules enforceable against sea users.
