together to defend the rights of the inhabitants 🌴✊

Summary

• Introduction to the island context around Nosy Be
• Geographic atlas and strategic importance of neighboring islands
• History of land and social issues in the region
• Tourism development projects and their impacts
• The main communities concerned
• Actions and mobilizations for the protection of rights
• Prospects for sustainable and balanced development
• Frequent questions (FAQ)

Introduction to the island context around Nosy Be

The neighboring islands of Nosy Be constitute an island network of exceptional richness, both ecologically and culturally. Extending for several tens of kilometers, this archipelago attracts thousands of tourists each year in search of authenticity and preserved landscapes. However, behind this attractiveness, a crucial problem is emerging: the combatity of local communities for the preservation of their land and their fundamental rights in the face of often prioritized economic interests.

The islands such as Nosy Komba,, Nosy Tanikely or Nosy Iranja All illustrate an ecological diversity which could ultimately prove to be vulnerable in the face of non -concerted development projects. The situation worsens when certain investors, especially from luxury tourism sectors or high -end real estate, are trying to acquire ancestral or traditional land, often without transparency or respect for the rights of local populations. In 2025, this tension reached a critical point, requiring increased awareness within the national and international community.

Geographic atlas and strategic importance of the neighboring islands of Nosy Be

The islands that surround Nosy Be are not only natural jewels, but also play a strategic role in the Indian Ocean region. Their position ensures an influence cone for Madagascar, while abbreviated an economic, ecological and tourist diversity. Their management, however, turns out to be fragile, often subject to increasing pressures from inside and outside.

A synthesized card allows you to better understand this configuration:

Each of these islands presents strategic importance in terms of biodiversity and economy, but also as sensitive districts where local sovereignty is often put to the test.

History of land and social issues in the Nosy Be islands region

For several decades, the land question around Nosy Be and its surrounding islands has been a complex and often sensitive subject. Strong tourism growth, especially from the 2000s, intensified claims for the acquisition of land, often in defiance of the traditional rights of ancestral communities.

Records of land conflicts have increased, with cases of expulsions and legal disputes. Some major problems concern:

• The transfer of ancestral land to private investors
• The ambiguous procedures for delivering land titles
• Popular resistances in the face of projects perceived as depositing local populations
• Lack of consultation and transparent information by the authorities

A symbolic example remains that of Nosy Mitsiowhere, according to local sources, the acquisition of land titles has been suspended for 5 years, while environmental defenders have been placed in police custody. This situation illustrates an attempt to stifle any dispute in the face of an often suspicious development logic.

Tourism development projects: opportunities or threats to the islands of Nosy Be

Any tourism expansion project within the archipelago raises an essential debate: should we favor rapid economic growth or ensure the sustainable protection of rights and land? The current trend oscillates between these two visions, often in favor of the economic interests of large companies.

To better understand these issues, here is an overview of the potential impacts:

1. Potential extinction of rare species by increased deforestation
2. Disappearance of natural habitats to build hotels and infrastructure
3. Displacement of local populations and loss of traditional knowledge
4. Increase in pressure on water, land and biodiversity resources
5. Social and cultural fragmentation of island communities

Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as those advocated by actors as Mitsinjo or site management like Lokobetend to promote a balanced approach. However, they often remain marginalized in the face of the pressure exerted by investors from the outside, especially those who target luxury markets in Ambatolampy or Ste Luce.

Local communities threatened by land speculation and tourism expansion

The indigenous and resident populations of the islands such as Nosy Be, Nosy Sakatia, or Nosy Faly live in precariousness fueled by land and economic issues. Their Voice, often relegated to the background, expresses a deep concern in the face of the threat of evictions and the gradual disappearance of their cultural heritage.

Their situation is characterized by:

• A rural exodus to urban areas in search of opportunities
• Traditional practices in danger in the face of pressure from the tourism market
• Increased vulnerability in the face of an excessive economy turned towards international prestige
• The difficulty of asserting their rights to powerful investors

The collective Tany Particularly mobilized to defend these populations, launching an online petition which collected more than 600 signatures in less than three hours, thus stressing the state of crisis which prevails in 2025.

Collective actions and mobilizations to preserve land rights in Nosy Be

Faced with the rise of land and social issues, Malagasy civil society is increasingly mobilizing to preserve the rights of residents and promote fair development. Online petition, recently launched by The Tany collectivequickly exceeded several hundred signatures, reflecting an unanimous desire for change.

The main actions undertaken include:

• Public mobilizations and protests
• Public audiences with government representatives
• Pressures through local and international media
• Legal inspections to enforce the right to property
• Partnerships with international NGOs for the safeguarding of land and cultures

Local actors also highlight the importance of jurisdictional appeals to enforce traditional land rights, while pleading for stricter and transparent legislation. The current crisis leaves no choice but to federate all the actors around a common project, promoting sustainable development and respectful of the rights of all.

Future perspectives for a balanced development of the nosy be islands and its neighbors

Any long -term development must be based on participatory and equitable management of resources, integrating the votes of local communities as fundamental pillars. Increasing awareness, in particular via initiatives such as Lokobe Or Mitsinjocontributes to this dynamic, but must be supported by ambitious public policies.

Several levers can promote such a balance:

• Reinforcement of protective laws of customary land
• Creation of protected areas integrating local populations
• Encouragement of tourism based on culture and biodiversity
• Partnerships with international institutions for sustainable management
• Training and awareness of communities to responsible management

Such a strategy should reduce the risk of environmental and social deterioration, while offering sustainable economic opportunities for future generations. The permanent consultation of the local population would thus become an essential prerequisite for any ambitious project concerned by the Nosy Be archipelago.

Frequent questions (FAQ) concerning the protection of the rights of residents of the surrounding islands of Nosy Be

1. What are the main demands of local communities?

The demands relate mainly to the recognition of their traditional lands, transparency in the allocation of land titles and participation in tourism development projects.

2. How can the international community support these populations?

By supporting these initiatives financially, media and jurisdictionally, while encouraging inclusive and respectful governance of human rights.

3. What are the risks if no action is undertaken?

An irreversible degradation of ecosystems, the disappearance of local cultures, social conflicts and a lasting destabilization of the community fabric.

4. What measures could the Malagasy government adopt?

Strengthen land ownership legislation, establish a moratorium on disputed projects and promote fair public consultations.

5. Where to sign the petition for the protection of the rights of the inhabitants?

On the official link: save children from the northern islands of Madagascar.