Land dispute in Sakatia: leases officially cancelled, the state preserves the tourist reserve

Mis à jour le 21 May 2026

Land Conflict in Sakatia: A Decisive Step in the Sustainable Management of Natural and Tourism Heritage

In the heart of the Malagasy archipelago, the island of Sakatia now finds itself at a crossroads between environmental protection, land rights, and tourism development. For several years, a highly sensitive land conflict has been shaking this locality, a symbol of Madagascar’s unique natural wealth. The controversy stems primarily from the granting of a long-term lease to a private company to exploit part of the island, a move contested by both the local population and environmental advocates. The situation escalated into a crisis requiring strong state intervention to reconcile economic interests, land rights, and conservation imperatives. The recent official decision to cancel these leases demonstrates a firm commitment to preserving the integrity of the “tourist land reserve” while respecting the strict legal framework governing land management in Madagascar.

Discover the issues surrounding land conflicts, their causes, and their impacts on communities and the environment.

Since the early 2000s, land management in Sakatia has become a strategic issue, particularly due to the classification of certain areas as “Tourist Land Reserves” (TLRs). This classification, established in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Bank, aims to guarantee the protection of these areas while allowing their development within a framework of sustainable tourism. However, the practical implementation of these provisions has often been hampered by conflicting interests between those who advocate for conservation and those seeking to maximize private investment. Malagasy legislation clearly stipulates that the sale of land classified as TLRs is prohibited and that all use must comply with leases, which drastically limits the risk of land grabbing. Yet, the reality on the ground has been marked by several attempts to extend or retaliate against these regulations, thus fueling a climate of discontent and legal uncertainty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFJT-dUu5xQ The ecological and economic stakes of a land conflict in Sakatia

The impact of the land conflict goes far beyond a simple legal dispute; it directly affects the fragile balance of the local ecosystem. Sakatia Island, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and protected marine areas, is under increasing pressure from the expansion of tourism and commercial activities. The overlap between tourism development, nature conservation, and land management highlights the need for a holistic approach. On the one hand, the development of the tourism sector is vital to the local economy, contributing to job creation, increased tax revenue, and a positive international image of Madagascar. On the other hand, the overexploitation or undue appropriation of protected areas risks causing irreversible degradation of biodiversity, as well as a loss of cultural identity for the indigenous population. The central question remains: how can a balance be maintained between these imperatives without damaging the natural heritage or jeopardizing the island’s economic future?

Coordinated Land Operation

Restoration of land to residents at 5 ariary per square meter

Strengthening of participatory land management and balanced allocation Discover the challenges and solutions related to land conflicts, a crucial issue for land management and peaceful coexistence.Key actors in resolving the land conflict in Sakatia

Resolving this land crisis requires the involvement of a diverse range of actors, each playing a crucial role in consolidating social peace and ensuring ecological sustainability. First and foremost, the State, through the Ministry of Territorial Development, plays a fundamental regulatory role. Its decision to cancel leases is driven by a political will to assert state control over land management, particularly in accordance with international land law. Local authorities, especially fokontany chiefs, actively participate in the equitable redistribution of land within the framework of the Concerted Land Operation, which aims to promote participatory management.

Indigenous populations, often considered the primary victims of land abuses, have become agents of their own future. Their mobilization, supported by organizations such as the TANY Collective, is enabling the reclamation of their ancestral lands while strengthening the balance between conservation and development. Civil society and environmental NGOs also participate, ensuring that land management continues to prioritize sustainability, biodiversity protection, and respect for human rights. Collaboration among these actors serves as a model to follow for any shared management of land issues in areas of high ecological value.

Ongoing measures to strengthen sustainable land management in Madagascar

To prevent such crises from recurring, the Malagasy government is implementing a series of bold reforms aimed at professionalizing land management. The new regulations notably include an increase in the maximum land area that individuals can purchase, from 1,000 to 5,000 square meters, with a view to strict oversight and fairness. Furthermore, a tripartite dialogue has been launched between the Ministry, landowners, and local representatives, in an effort to promote transparency and raise awareness of the strategic management of land. These initiatives seek to combine economic development and conservation, while ensuring compliance with the national legal framework.

Simultaneously, the land reform relies on the implementation of digital systems for monitoring leases and transactions, enabling complete traceability and greater transparency. The creation of a national land observatory, integrated into an electronic management platform, is a key step in strengthening governance. Finally, ongoing awareness-raising among the local population about the importance of respecting protected areas is essential, thus promoting balanced management based on community participation and respect for environmental regulations.

International expertise and future prospects for land management in Madagascar

Faced with these challenges, the international community and technical partners insist that land legislation always respects the principles of environmental protection and sustainable development. The role of organizations such as the World Bank and UNEP is crucial in supporting Madagascar’s reform efforts. The trend is now towards collaborative management, supported by innovative tools such as participatory mapping and remote sensing, to monitor the conservation status of protected areas in real time.

The lessons learned from the land conflict in Sakatia also highlight the importance of broadening the national debate to systematically integrate the social and environmental dimensions into land policies. The creation of mediation mechanisms and the systematic implementation of prior consultation before any land allocation are essential steps in establishing land governance that respects natural preservation and the rights of local populations.

What are the legal grounds for the cancellation of leases in Sakatia?

The cancellation is based on national regulations concerning tourist land reserves, which prohibit the sale of land classified as such and impose strict guidelines for investments. Malagasy law thus guarantees the preservation of protected natural areas.

How does the State contribute to participatory land management?

The State encourages the Concerted Land Acquisition program, which allows land to be returned to residents at a nominal price. This initiative aims to involve the local population in land management, thereby preventing land concentration and strengthening the balance between development and conservation.

What measures are in place to ensure sustainable tourism in Sakatia?