Known as “the lungs of Madagascar”, Toamasina is the country’s second largest city and principal port, critical to the economic security of the country. Climate change is compounding challenges posed by Toamasina’s high level of poverty and rapid urbanization, as the city has already absorbed greater climate-related economic losses than any other city in Madagascar. The recent CORVI assessment for Toamasina captures the intersection of climate vulnerability, urbanization, economic and social issues as well as environmental challenges, that the city faces. With the results of the CORVI assessment, local leaders can work with multilateral development banks, international development organizations, and the UN to access climate funds to invest in long-term climate resilience and boost Toamasina’s sustainable blue economy.
Featured Speakers
J.B. Kelly, President of U.S. Chapter, Prince Albert II Foundation (Opening Remarks)
Alexander Nassikas – Senior Advisor, Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, U.S. Department of State
Kris Sarri – Chief Climate Officer, U.S. Agency for International Development
Rado Rakotosoa, Director General, Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Madagascar (Video Remarks)
Deidre de Vos, Project Assistant, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association
Carolyn Gruber, Fellow and Deputy Director, Environmental Security, Stimson Center (Moderator)