Can tourism support resource circularity in small islands? On-field analysis and intervention proposals in Madagascar

Open dumping and burning of waste is common practice in low-income countries. On small and touristic islands, the problem is exacerbated due to the additional waste amount generated by tourism. This article presents how, using Nosy Be island in Madagascar as a case study, circular approaches can be fostered by tourism to tackle the waste challenge. About 95% of the waste of Nosy Be is openly dumped, discarded to sea, or openly burned. Field analysis, interviews with local stakeholders, and waste flow analysis served as methodological tools to assess the current solid waste management (SWM) system of Nosy Be. Stakeholder mapping and involvement as well as first exchange among local and international actors provided the basis to identify key practice and opportunities. Research findings highlight the importance of active participation and involvement of local partners supported by international experts, to suggest how touristic centres can act as core of circular approaches. The article presents potential circular models to be implemented in Nosy Be, taking tourism as the entry point including the aspects of financial support, separated waste flows, and the interest in “green tourism marketing”. This case study underlines how international cooperation, touristic activities, and common efforts can potentially support low-income communities.