Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux

The document examines the role of young human rights and environmental defenders (DDHE) in Madagascar, highlighting their innovative use of digital tools for mobilization and the systemic barriers they face, including security threats and symbolic rather than substantive inclusion in governance. It calls for the implementation of international biodiversity targets, the creation of permanent youth participation structures, and the adoption of a national law to protect defenders.

• Young human rights and environmental defenders (DDHE) in Madagascar, defined by law as individuals aged 14 to 30, leverage digital tools and social media to document violations, raise awareness, and influence public opinion. However, they face significant digital risks, including cyberattacks, data theft, and disinformation, leading to an increased focus on digital security and fact-checking.
• Youth participation in decision-making processes in Madagascar is often limited or symbolic. Locally, engagement is hindered by socio-cultural norms regarding age and geographic isolation, particularly in rural areas. Nationally, the lack of permanent structures often results in 'Youthwashing,' where youth contributions to strategic documents are sought for symbolic legitimacy rather than actual influence.
• Young defenders face security threats and intimidation, especially when intervening in sensitive sectors such as public infrastructure or mining projects. While fear is becoming a driver of resilience, these activists often lack sufficient legal, institutional, and security knowledge, necessitating specialized support and the adoption of a national law to protect human rights defenders.
• The document calls for the national implementation of international commitments, specifically Target 22 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to ensure youth are actively involved in biodiversity conservation decisions and that legal and practical measures are taken to protect DDHE.

APA

Martens, C. (2026). Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux. Natural Justice. https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/

Chicago

Martens, Claire. Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux. Natural Justice, 2026. https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Martens |first1=Claire |title=Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux |publisher=Natural Justice |date=23 February 2026 |url=https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{martens2026tre, author = {Martens, Claire}, title = {{Être jeunes malagasy et défenseurs environnementaux}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, year = {2026}, month = feb, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/etre-jeunes-malagasy-et-defenseurs-environnementaux/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }