Support from UNFPA for PSN backed Madagascar environment project
10 August 2010
Source: UN/PSN
A pioneering conservation and development initiative in Madagascar backed by PSN has become the first conservation project in the country to receive support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Staff at the opening of the first Blue Ventures clinic in Madagascar
© Blue Ventures
A symbolic step
Blue Ventures' conservation director, Dr. Alasdair Harris, said: "The UNFPA's support is a hugely symbolic step. A human rights and health based organisation is supporting a marine conservation charity for the first time because of its recognition of the inter-relationship between marine resource sustainability, maternal and infant health, and population growth."
The news has received a similarly warm welcome from the organisation's clinical technician. "It's wonderful news and great recognition for the project," said Fanja Rakotozafy. "Now the sexual and reproductive health team here is part of the UNFPA family, we have the support to expand and develop our work within Velondriake, the country's largest marine conservation region. This is good for the community here."
Shared aims
The UN's Population Fund promotes universal access to reproductive healthcare, and strategically selects NGO partners where appropriate. Access to reproductive healthcare in southern Madagascar is lagging behind the rest of the country. Blue Ventures' established presence in the area makes it an attractive partner.
Linking population, health and environment
Victor Rakoto, the UN Population Fund assistant representative in Madagascar, says: "The UNFPA has found that collaboration between the two organisations could significantly increase access to reproductive health services including family planning services in the targeted region. Another very important development is that this partnership will make a link between the interventions in population and environmental protection."
Population pressures on the marine environment
Overfishing and temperature-related coral-bleaching have rendered ancient fishing practices ineffective at feeding the rapidly growing local population in Andavadoaka. An influx of migrants using destructive fishing practices has added to pressure on fish stocks.
In this area of rural Madagascar women typically have their first child in their early teens. Family sizes far exceed the national average of 5 children, and are estimated at 6.7 children per family.
Increasing access to family planning
Prior to the launch of Blue Ventures' clinics, women faced a 50km trek through dry spiny forest to access contraceptive services at the nearest clinic.
Blue Ventures responded to the desire for better reproductive choices and piloted a powerful, cheap, grassroots solution - a local barefoot family planning clinic.