An exceptional region.
A unique island in the world
This unique island harbours a fortunate paradox. It suffers from poverty, yet is home to a phenomenal wealth that economic stakeholders, such as UNIMA, are slowly bringing to light.
On the island,nature is incredibly prolific and fertile. Madagascar offers a dreamlike vision of rich vegetation, wildlife and landscapes.
It is a microcosm of the earth’s kaleidoscopic diversity: coral reefs, aquatic jungle, canyons, grasslands…
Better still, deep within the soil lie the riches that are the envy of the world, and that the world often relies on:cobalt, nickel, sapphire, ilmenite (titanium-iron oxide mineral), gold, etc.
Madagascar is unlike any other country.
Biodiversity
Madagascan biodiversity is exceptionally vibrant: vanilla, pepper, cocoa, lychees… Madagascar is planet earth’s best grocer. Here, natural discoveries are legion. Our knowledge of Madagascar’s nature continues to amaze and expand. It even makes the headlines: in 2021, a 13.5mm brookesia was discovered, making it the smallest chameleon in the world; the Tahina Spectabilis, an as yet unknown variety of palm, was discovered by a member of the UNIMA team. This palm is unique in that it flowers only once before dying.
"Madagascar, a land of promise”
UNIMA has been engaging with and responding to Madagascar’s socio-ecological challenges for many years because Madagascar is truly a land of promise. In a world that is experiencing extreme changes, nations like Madagascar find themselves suddenly in the spotlight.
Its natural wealth makes Madagascar one of the most envied countries in the world.
Better still, its untapped potential is one of the most highly anticipated in the world.
Madagascar will soon emerge.
- on 4 aquaculture sites
- 1 cashew tree plantation
- 6 fishing boats
These 2,257 direct jobs generate 4,000 indirect jobs
UNIMA is directly involved in the field. It is particularly focused on community development. The company builds and manages the infrastructure that provides village communities with access to education, healthcare and clean drinking water.
- Transport
- Retail
- Handicrafts
- Local industry
- Port handling
“ UNIMA is committed to community development: education, healthcare, clean drinking water “
The village of Besakao is a prime example. The primary school, along with the middle and high school, is the first Madagascan school built in a remote rural area.
This means that 10,000 children have been given access to education. 10,000 children no longer need to take the often long and sometimes dangerous journey to school. The village clinic has recently been equipped to provide dental care, and an independent maternity health centre provides maternity care.
In 2020, 200 babies were born at the centre. This is a great source of pride for UNIMA.
In the face of today’s colossal environmental challenges, UNIMA keeps ahead of current regulations in order to help its country. Since its first major tree planting campaign in 1998 to encourage biodiversity, and first carbon assessment in 2007, the Group has continued to increase the range of its commitments:
–Carbon footprint reduction: animal feed, energy consumption, packaging.
– Carbon sequestration: over 2.5 million trees planted, including more than 100 hectares of mangroves.
These initiatives are all carried out in coordination with NGOs, such as the WWF for biodiversity preservation, Blue VENTURES for marine environments, and finally Unicef to support the men and women of Madagascar.