A recent report by the World Bank warns that the production of waste is growing exponentially and could increase by 70% by 2050. This alarming trend has severe implications for Madagascar, where the lack of effective waste management systems exacerbates the problem. According to Aina Ramanampamonjy from the Cétamada association, urgent action is needed to establish a database on marine waste in Madagascar.
The impact of pollution on Madagascar's marine environment is significant, with 80% of marine waste originating from land-based sources, and over 80% of it being plastic. To address this issue, Cétamada launched a project in 2019 to monitor and evaluate marine waste, in partnership with the CEDTM (Centre d'études des tortues marines) and the WIOMSA (Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association). The project aims to quantify and determine the origin of marine waste on Madagascar's beaches.
The project involves a comprehensive approach, including a program of awareness-raising among local communities, public and private institutions, schools, and the general public. The team collects and sorts waste on two types of beaches, inhabited and uninhabited, following a strict protocol. They focus on three types of waste: macro-waste, meso-waste, and micro-waste. The waste is then weighed, and its origin determined whenever possible.
Preliminary findings from the project reveal that plastic is the primary pollutant, with 28,184 items collected from eight beaches, each 300 meters long. Hard plastic, such as bottles and cosmetic containers, accounts for 38% of the waste, while soft plastic, like packaging materials, is also prevalent. Notably, the results from Toliara differ, with textiles being the most common type of waste.
The project's findings have significant implications for human health and the environment. The oceans, which produce a substantial portion of the planet's oxygen, are threatened by pollution. Plastic waste takes up to 600 years to degrade and breaks down into microplastics that can be ingested by marine animals. According to a WWF study, humans ingest up to 5 grams of plastic per week, which can have adverse health effects.
To address the issue, Cétamada has engaged with local communities, institutions, and authorities to raise awareness and develop solutions. The team has produced two educational videos, which have reached over 50,000 viewers. The project's next steps include further data collection and publication of scientific results, with a continued focus on awareness-raising and community engagement.
The project's leaders emphasize that individual actions can collectively make a significant difference. With a population of 27 million people, Madagascar can make a substantial impact if everyone contributes to reducing plastic waste. The project's motto, "aucune action n'est petite si nous sommes 27 millions à l'entreprendre," reflects this message of collective responsibility.
Key points
- 80% of marine waste in Madagascar originates from land-based sources
- The project aims to establish a database on marine waste in Madagascar
- Plastic waste is the primary pollutant, with 38% being hard plastic and a significant amount of soft plastic and textiles also present
