The Madagascar National Chapter of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Professional Network (WIOMPAN) held a pivotal two-day meeting on November 27-28, 2023, hosted by Madagascar National Parks in Antananarivo. Organized in collaboration with the MIHARI network, the event brought together marine conservation managers, stakeholders, and representatives from government and NGOs to strengthen the Madagascar chapter and enhance marine governance.
The meeting began with a comprehensive presentation on WIOMPAN’s mission, objectives, and organizational structure, emphasizing its value in uniting practitioners and professionals across the Western Indian Ocean. While Madagascar has 39 WIOMPAN members listed, this falls short of representing the broader community managing over 21 MPAs and 280 LMMAs. Participants were encouraged to join and involve colleagues to bolster Madagascar’s presence within the network.
A key highlight was the election of the new National Chapter representative. Following clarification of the role’s responsibilities and eligibility criteria, Guy Celestin Rakotovao, MIHARI Executive Secretary, was elected by majority vote, with Landisoa Randimbison, Director of Nosy Tanikely Marine Park, named as Supporter. Discussions also addressed structuring the chapter, outlining roles for practitioners, LMMA leaders, and state representatives to ensure balanced representation.
Participants stressed the need to define membership criteria, emphasizing the inclusion of legally recognized MPAs and active members. Government participation was deemed crucial for elevating WIOMPAN’s profile and legitimacy.
The meeting concluded with commitments to finalize the chapter’s structure, implement a priority-driven action plan, and promote collaboration through regular updates, success stories, and forums. This revitalization of the Madagascar chapter marks a significant step in advancing marine conservation efforts and knowledge sharing across the region.