© Réserves naturelles de France
A 6-day workshop introducing marine protected and conserved areas (MPCA) practitioners to the ecological monitoring of three major marine habitats wrapped up on July 14th, marking a significant milestone for the 17 participants from seven island territories across the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO).
Held at the Mitsamiouli Ndroudé National Park in northern Grande Comore, the workshop combined three days of theoretical input with three days of fieldwork, giving participants hands-on experience in monitoring mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. With expert guidance from Réserves Naturelles de France, the Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network, Western Indian Ocean Seagrass Network, and CORDIO East Africa, attendees were able to deepen their understanding of ecological monitoring techniques and protocols.
A key theme of the week was the importance of networking and using comparable protocols across territories. This laid the groundwork for several concrete short-term actions, including:
- Developing a regional interactive calendar for ecological monitoring.
- Creating a list of expertise by territory to facilitate future collaboration.
- Harmonising field sheets for mangrove monitoring.
- Compiling a shared document on seagrass monitoring protocols.
- Drafting a practical field guide for coral reef monitoring.
By the end of the workshop, participants left with enhanced skills, stronger connections with regional experts, and a solidified network of peers across the SWIO region. This workshop is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared learning in driving effective marine conservation efforts.