Max Andonirina Fontaine, recently appointed as the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar, stands as a symbolic figure of youth (28 years old) and innovation in environmental protection and rural development.
Before his appointment, he was the founder of Bôndy, a social enterprise committed to reforestation and sustainable development in Madagascar. Under his leadership, Bôndy initiated ambitious projects aimed at planting millions of trees to combat deforestation, promote environmental conservation but mostly impact the lives of Malagasy rural population. Minister Fontaine pursued his studies in Canada for five years, focusing on international affairs and applied economics. Upon returning to Madagascar in 2018, he established Bôndy.
His commitment led him to represent Madagascar at many international forums, including 3 Youth 4 Climate in Italy and USA, 3 COPs, various UN and World Bank summit or being the guest speaker at the Andalusia Parliament of Spain, highlighting his role as a young impactful leader in the fight against climate change.
As Minister, Max Fontaine focuses on the fight against illicit trafficking, good governance, green diplomacy, private sector engagement, blue and green economy, and energy transition. His journey illustrates the convergence between social entrepreneurship and public service, demonstrating a deep commitment to find solutions to global climate change but mostly the social issues in Madagascar.
