In Nosy Be, the beaches are much more than tourist attractions. They are ecosystems in their own right, hosting a wide variety of marine life and serving as vital areas for biodiversity. However, like many island regions, these natural spaces are increasingly threatened by pollution, particularly plastic and marine debris washed ashore by currents or abandoned by human activity.
Although Nosy Be lacks formal waste management and recycling systems, local initiatives can and do make a difference. Following the success of a first collective clean-up event, Corail Noir Hotel and Aqua Madagascar are now launching a second edition of the beach cleaning, supported by staff members, local partners, residents, and volunteers.
Plastic fragments, discarded fishing nets, bottles, food wrappers, and other waste accumulate gradually along the island’s shores. They pose serious risks to marine fauna, disrupt the fragile balance of ecosystems, and contribute to microplastic contamination.
This new clean-up initiative is not just about removing trash. It is about making environmental protection a visible, shared, and practical act. By uniting various stakeholders, we aim to strengthen a culture of responsibility and awareness that goes beyond a single event.
The project is coordinated by Manon Mauvais, our Environmental and Biodiversity Officer, who ensures that each step — from waste collection and sorting to environmental education — is carefully managed.
Each participant receives practical guidance on identifying types of waste, separating them for recycling or reuse, and understanding the long-term consequences of pollution. Where possible, some of the collected materials are directed to recovery partners such as STCV, a start-up based in Antananarivo that transforms plastic and aluminum waste into useful items like basins and cooking pots.
During the first edition, several dozen kilograms of waste were removed in just a few hours, covering only a small area. This result clearly highlighted two things: the scale of pollution and the effectiveness of well-organized local actions.
This second edition builds on that momentum, aiming not only to clean a new section of coastline but to engage more people, strengthen networks, and promote consistent long-term involvement.
Our ambition is to establish a regular program of beach cleaning and environmental education, involving schools, tourism operators, and local communities. These recurring actions are meant to create a culture of care and active stewardship of Nosy Be’s coastal ecosystems.
Whether you are a traveler, resident, business, or organization, you can support or join this movement. Hands-on participation, logistical assistance, or awareness campaigns — every form of contribution counts.
If you would like to learn more or take part in the upcoming editions of our beach clean-ups, please get in touch with our team. Together, we can preserve what makes Nosy Be so unique: its nature, its coastline, and the life it sustains.