China’s Growing Environmental Footprint in Madagascar: Opportunity, Pressure, and the Climate Question
A Growing Presence in a Climate-Vulnerable Nation ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — From mining projects and infrastructure investments to renewable energy partnerships, China's presence in Madagascar has expanded significantly over the past two decades. While these investments have contributed to economic development and strengthened bilateral ties, they have also raised important questions about environmental protection, climate resilience, and the future of Madagascar’s unique ecosystems . Madagascar, home to some of the world's richest biodiversity, faces mounting environmental challenges . Deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate change continue to threaten both ecosystems and local livelihoods. Against this backdrop, Chinese-backed projects have become increasingly visible across the island. Mining, Economic Growth, and Environmental Concerns One of the most debated areas of Chinese involvement is the extractive se...