GEF GOLD+ in Madagascar: Enhancing the formalization and mercury reduction in artisanal and small-scale gold mining  in Madagascar To reduce the use of mercury and increase incomes in the ASGM sector in Madagascar through a holistic, multisectoral integrated formalization approach, and increasing access to finance leading to the adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies and access to traceable gold supply chains Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. The better access of artisanal gold miners’ into financial services and the effective financial inclusion combined with a better access and use of free-mercury technologies are part of the key conditions for the improvement of communities’ living standards, leading to households and communities’ wellbeing. The formalization of the ASGM sector combined with a better access to finance will have a positive social impacts in terms of job proficiency, and community’s better health impacts.   The project provides beneficiaries with various benefits such as:  - Improvement of the health of the gold miners and the population through the use of mercury-free technology;  - Protection and preservation of the environment   - Improvement of the income of the actors of the gold sector (miners, gold collectors, countries)  - Traceability of gold circuits: credibility of the country in terms of marketing (legal)  - Contribution to the improvement of governance in terms of environmental management  - Behavioural change with respect to the environment and requires working in concert with stakeholders such as civil society organizations and mining and logging companies,  - Acquiring significant support, but it is difficult to manage the requirements and expectations of each development organization.  At the national level, the project shall promote the following:  - Sales of processed gold at internationally obtainable prices and an improvement in the quality of gold produced in Madagascar due to uptake of mercury-free technologies and institutionalization of leaching plants which will ensure efficient and environmentally safe management of tailings.   - Improved opportunities for Madagascar to compete in the global gold market especially due to quality assurance of gold processing activities that are not dependent on mercury use.   - Larger opportunities for foreign investments in the ASGM sector specially based on the enhanced formalization of ASGM, access to finance, uptake of mercury-free technologies amongst mining cooperatives, etc. The fact that the country is adapting to global best practices in ASGM, and strengthening its quality assurance and control processes in the sector present wide short and long-term opportunities for value to the country’s economy, especially its roadmap for economic diversification through improvements in the mineral/mining sector.    At the state level, the project shall promote the following:  - Mineral buying centers will be encouraged to purchase gold in higher quantities due to the integrity and quality of gold produced and sold by ASGM cooperatives. Additionally, other individuals and entities may be interested in venturing into gold purchases from ASGM cooperatives due to the improved gold processing systems and envisaged financial benefits associated with the national, regional, and global gold markets.  - State governments stand to benefit from revenue, generated through ASGM activities within their state.   - Envisaged indirect socioeconomic benefits may be associated with opportunities for state government-assisted vocational training camps, focused on transferring knowledge and skills on ASGM to unskilled persons, groups, and communities.  - The elimination or significant reduction in the use of mercury and improper disposal of mercury-contaminated tailings is likely to reduce contamination of major environmental media such as surface and groundwater, soil, and air. Consequently, this tends to contribute to a lower incidence and/or occurrence of endocrine, reproductive and genetic disorders/diseases associated with mercury intoxication in communities within the participating states. As these socioeconomic benefits are attained and demonstrated, the incentive to avoid mercury will become stronger: miners and other ASGM actors will be able to appreciate the clear link between increased income, improved health and mercury-free practices and products. In turn, this will provide a strong motivation to sustain a mercury-free sector.  - Applicability of JA which considers the jurisdictional influences of stakeholders within landscapes associated with ASGM or proposed for ASGM pilots under the Child Project.     At the local government area level, the project shall promote the following:  - Opportunities for improvement in the livelihoods of members of ASGM communities are envisaged. Mainly job creation and cash inflow into communities, creating additional demands and therefore additional business opportunities. In participating states where irrigated farming is usually practiced, agriculture-based communities are likely to gain from an increase in sales to ASGM cooperatives and groups assigned leasing rights (SSML).   - Agricultural communities can supplement low agricultural income in times of drought with mining income thereby improving lielihoods. In the overall, the application of SLA/JA will enable a balance of all these production systems within selected landscapes.   - Better accountable stakeholder engagement which identifies stakeholder needs, expectations, concerns and suggestions especially at the community level.   - SLA/JA pilots will consider stakeholder participation from communities and their roles in the multi-stakeholder platform (MSP).  -Environmentally safe ASGM practices consistent with global best practices will improve opportunities for other socioeconomic developments in ASGM communities e.g. petty trading, catering, equipment/PPE sales, food vending, etc.