Adressing ghg emissions in maritime sectors in least developing island state: case of madagascar

Abstract

GHG emissions are strongly linked to the climate change issue. The transport industry including shipping is always highlighted as one of the GHG emitting sectors. Madagascar is ranked as both an island developing state and a least developing country which are classified among the most vulnerable and most affected by climate change. Several international efforts, especially those of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are already underway since 2018 to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping and to support these countries in dealing with these issues with capacity building and guidance. Madagascar follows these initiatives as best it can. Despite this, the situation at the national level has not improved much. High national barriers hinder the adoption of measures to reduce GHG emissions in the maritime transport sector. The most important stage which is developing policy and legal basis with inclusive approaches of all stakeholders has not been reached yet. Short term steps and measures should be initiated in parallel. These consist in always awareness rising of all actors (decisions makers, port operators, ship owners…), small actions achievable (adoption of renewable energies in ports) and starting to advocate for a climate finance for shipping as Madagascar is eligible for climate change mitigation funding.