The first Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Forum was held in Mahajanga, Madagascar, from September 26-29, 2024, bringing together ocean conservation stakeholders from across the region. Organized by IUCN and supported by WIOMSA, CORDIO, WWF, JNCC, and the MIHARI network, the event aimed to enhance regional collaboration, capacity building, and policy advocacy for locally led marine conservation efforts.
The forum followed Madagascar’s MIHARI national LMMA conference, which hosted over 300 practitioners to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Other WIO nations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Seychelles, held similar consultations to draft national LMMA declarations, emphasizing recognition, expansion, and networking.
Key objectives of the forum included fostering knowledge exchange, developing inclusive conservation strategies, and advocating for policy recognition of LMMAs. Delegates shared lessons from initiatives such as Madagascar’s MIHARI network and IUCN’s LEAP project in Mozambique. Field visits to Katsepy and Antrema highlighted community-driven ecosystem management, providing hands-on insights into local conservation practices.
A regional roadmap was outlined to support the recognition and scaling of LMMAs towards achieving the global “30 by 30” target. Key priorities include capacity building, data monitoring, sustainable funding, inclusive governance, and legal recognition. Delegates emphasized the need for stronger networks, such as a regional LMMA working group, and called for tools tailored to LMMA contexts to evaluate conservation outcomes effectively.
Participants also addressed challenges such as climate change, overfishing, and limited financial resources while exploring opportunities like eco-tourism, capacity development, and international partnerships. Recommendations included fostering trust between governments and communities, harmonizing conservation policies, and enhancing alternative livelihoods.
The forum concluded with a commitment to advancing community-led conservation and integrating diverse voices into sustainable marine resource management.
Attachment: LMMA FORUM_REGIONAl