Madagascar: a strategic social and environmental plan for companies (rain forest alliance)

Madagascar: a strategic social and environmental plan for companies (rain forest alliance)

In June 2023, several Madagascan companies active in the lychee sector were informed, at their request, about the Rainforest Alliance (RFA) standard. Specifically, the workshop provided an opportunity to introduce the RFA standard, explain its principles, highlight overlaps with other private standards, provide guidance on the certification process, identify available resources and answer participants’ questions.

Following the workshop, a survey was conducted among the participating companies to (1) confirm their interest in certification, (2) assess their progress in the compliance process, and (3) determine the need for specific assistance. Of the six companies that expressed an interest in support, Gasy Fruits and QualityMad were the first to decide to implement the system with a view to achieving Rainforest Alliance certification. The others plan to continue the process for the 2024 season.

Specific support was organised for these first two companies, with the involvement of an expert from Côte d’Ivoire. This initiative also enabled the skills of two Malagasy experts to be strengthened. Each company received individual assistance in developing an action plan to meet the requirements of the standard, including an estimate of the costs of compliance and maintenance of the system in place.

The standard requires the implementation of a strategic social and environmental plan based on impact assessments. As the two companies do not yet have such a plan, it is necessary to carry out this study to quantify the impact of their activities and define mitigation measures. This study is about to be launched and should pave the way for possible certification for the next lychee season. Similar support will be offered to other Madagascan companies that have confirmed their interest in the RFA standard in the second half of 2024.

At the same time, companies will benefit from the sustainability self-assessment tool developed by COLEAD through its FFM programmes, which will support them prepare for such certification.

This example of technical assistance illustrates what COLEAD is doing through a programme like Fit For Market + (FFM+) to support the implementation of sustainable practices.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.