In a commendable effort to enhance marine conservation, from 14th to 28th May 2024, C3 Madagascar team and 13 leaders from Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) from Nosy Hara MPA and Bay of Rigny KBA in the North-West of Madagascar have embarked on an insightful journey to improve their skills in governance, monitoring, planning, communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership, thanks to the support of ECOFISH. This initiative focuses particularly on the technical aspects of community monitoring, aiming to fortify their capacities in patrolling and overseeing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The endeavour saw a significant milestone with a visit to Velondriake, a model MPA in Madagascar, known for its best practices in community monitoring and enforcement. The Science Team from Andavadoaka and staff from Blue Ventures guided the visiting leaders to the Seagrass No-Take Zone, explaining its creation, impact, and the crucial role of community involvement in its establishment.
The LMMA leaders, inspired by the Seagrass reserve’s success, acknowledged the potential of replicating such initiatives in northern Madagascar. Following the field visit, the leaders engaged with the Board Members of the Velondriake Association. Discussions covered the association’s evolution, community engagement strategies, alternative livelihood activities, and leadership best practices.
Continuing their educational tour, the LMMA leaders visited Ambatomilo, south of Andavadoaka, to observe another marine resource management system during which they engaged with the Manjaboake Association, learning about its creation, success stories, and alternative activities aimed at reducing pressure on marine ecosystems. The scientific team’s role in the rapid development of MPAs was particularly noteworthy, with six MPAs established due to their efforts.
The trip concluded with a visit to the Oceanographic Museum at IH.SM in Toliara, where participants shared their knowledge of marine biodiversity and discussed the state of marine ecosystems. The leaders also met with a Blue Ventures representative to express gratitude for the support and insights gained during the visit.
This collaborative journey underscored the importance of community involvement, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in marine conservation. The LMMA leaders returned with valuable insights and inspiration to implement and replicate successful conservation models in their regions, strengthening the network of marine protected areas across Madagascar.