2021 was marked by the first climate change-driven famine that keeps ravaging the southern part of Madagascar. The region is not new to drought. However, no solution to end this crisis is in sight yet. The United Nations reported last November that 1.3 million people are “severely hungry” in the south of the Big Island, and that if no tangible action at the global level is taken to tackle the climate crisis, many other countries could suffer a similar fate in the upcoming years. COP26 is very timely. A large delegation, led by President Andry Rajoelina, attended the climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, last November. All eyes on Madagascar! – “Aty amintsika ny mason’izao tontolo izao.”

AmCham had the opportunity to meet the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD) Baomiavotse Vahinala Raharinirina for a brief interview in Glasgow during the COP26.

How represented is Madagascar at the COP26?

“First of all, the presence of President Andry Rajoelina himself has been widely welcomed by the international community. But Madagascar was represented by a varied and enthusiastic delegation from the public and private sectors, the civil society, and activists. That demonstrates the open-mindness of the current government. Madagascar was clearly visible as the first victim of climate change-driven drought at the global level. This is the case at the regional level as well. Today, we can say that Madagascar is one of the leaders of the fight against climate change. The delegation actively took part in various side events and negotiations, including bilateral negotiations.”

Is Madagascar aware that climate change is really happening?

“Public opinion is divided. On one side, people who are stricken with full force by the impact of climate change know exactly what is going on. On the other side, there are people who think it is just the problem of developed countries and that we use it as an excuse to beg for international aid. There are those who think that Madagascar is a carbon emitter and finds itself trapped in a self-produced drought.

Let me go straightforward. Climate change is the result of 300 years of industrialization of developed countries. The developed world bears primary responsibility for climate change. Only three percent of global carbon emissions are generated in Africa, with only 0.01 percent in Madagascar. Anyway, Madagascar remains accountable towards the issue and carries its share of responsibility. But we do not bear the same share of responsibility as industrialized countries like the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.”

Is Madagascar a polluter anyway?

“No, Madagascar is not ranked among emitters of carbon dioxide. We do not operate frequent and cheap flights; we do not operate polluter maritime transport; we do not excessively use domestic heating during winters. Of course, our activities generate carbon emissions; but we are blessed enough with forests that can absorb CO2. Madagascar is liable to get involved in an action for climate solidarity. This should be accomplished through forest preservation. Our biggest risk is forest extinction. President Andry Rajoelina is highly committed to reducing our dependency on charcoal and finding alternative energy sources. For now we are not a polluter, but can become one in 10 or 15 years without social will – social will because political will is already there.”

How to achieve that social will?

“The message is clear. Polluter or not, we have our share of responsibility. Reforestation should not be a whim. We must regreen the country. Slash and burn is not sustainable. Pyromaniacs kill us. At this pace, we run the risk of wiping out our forests and mangroves. We do not even know that water comes from forests. We dirty our environment ourselves by driving everyday, by riding two-stroke scooters and motorcycles, by burning plastic, and so on. We cannot blame pollution on the others. Alaotra and Marovoay are covered with mud and trash. There is a danger that we will no longer be able to grow rice despite our large fields. We should call out to our citizens where it hurts. Tomorrow we may run out of water and food.”

We talk a lot about multibillion-dollar adaptation funds. Where does Madagascar stand today?

“Pursuant to the Paris Agreement, Madagascar has implemented its national climate change adaptation plan. Adaptation policies require 800 million to one billion dollars annually in critical locations. This has been belittled by developed countries who signed the Paris Agreement. Adaptation policies in Madagascar should include the transformation of its agriculture, adapted infrastructure projects, and major changes in eating habits in the south. We should rethink what to grow and what to breed. Such substantial shifts require funding. We must urgently tackle climate migrations and make sure that those hungry people do not have to move to key locations such as Ankarafantsika.”

Let us go back to energy transition. Isn’t there any barrier to entry when it comes to producing alternative energy source like bioethanol, for example?

“The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development does not see any barrier. Anyway, we should regulate the market through relevant texts and laws. Also, let us not forget that like any other product, bioethanol is driven by market principles. Today, the share of consumers ready to shift towards the use of bioethanol is still low. In the market of energy sources, the price of charcoal is way lower than that of butane gas. Increasing the price of charcoal clashes with the general public expectation. Reducing the price of butane gas at the same time will not make the population happy. In one word, the demand for bioethanol – and other alternative energy source – remains low. The President is not seeking to exercise monopoly in the bioethanol sector. Rather, he envisions developing the use of bioethanol and biogas at the district level.”

COP26 is over. What now?

“We should focus on calls to action to our fellow citizens. I would recommend that we opt for alternate traffic circulations on Thursdays and Fridays. We should ban imports and use of highly polluting two-stroke scooters. We should stop burning bricks. We should make burning plastics illegal. We must make important concessions. I am ready to make major decisions even at the risk of turning unpopular. Most importantly, we must keep on engaging in bilateral negotiations with key countries.”

Interview by Kenny Raharison