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
On October 30, 2023, the Mozambique Country Chapter of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Professional Network (WIOMPAN) convened at the Museum of Natural History in Maputo. Organized by Fundação Likhulu, this meeting aimed to strengthen local marine protected area (MPA) and locally managed marine area (LMMA) networks, foster a joint management approach, and
The Kenya Chapter of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Network (WIOMPAN) convened its National Steering Committee on August 30, 2024, to advance marine conservation efforts in line with global goals such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and SDG 14.5. Building on the outcomes of its inaugural 2023 meeting, the committee reviewed
The Seychelles Chapter of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Network (WIOMPAN) has had a landmark year, spearheading initiatives to strengthen marine conservation and engagement across the region. With the election of Mr. Allen Cedras, CEO of the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), as WIOMPAN President, the chapter is poised to lead the
The Hifadhi Blu Programme (Swahili for “Conserve Blue”) is a transformative initiative spearheading marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Jointly implemented by WIOMSA, WIOMPAN, Advanced Conservation Strategies (ACS), and the Minderoo Foundation, the programme aims to strengthen the resilience and management of Ocean Conservation Areas (OCAs), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Locally
From September 22 to 26, 2024, MIHARI Network hosted its largest and most impactful event, the National LMMA Forum, in Mahajanga, Madagascar. Over the course of five days, the forum gathered 470 participants from 14 coastal regions, creating a vibrant space for LMMA communities to connect, exchange best practices, and enhance governance skills for marine
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
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically significant marine ecosystems. Yet achieving the global “30×30” conservation target—protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030—requires a fundamental shift in how marine management systems operate. From October 21–24, 2024, WIOMSA supported by Blue Nature Alliance convened the
Marine rangers play a pivotal role in safeguarding our oceans, yet their contributions often go unrecognized compared to their terrestrial counterparts. Addressing this gap was at the forefront during the “Professionalization and Recognition of Marine Rangers in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Region” session during the International Ranger Federation (IRF) World Ranger Congress, held in
From December 9th to 12th, a significant gathering of sixty Marine Protected Area (MPA) professionals from across the Indian Ocean region—including Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, Kenya, Mayotte, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rodrigues, and Tanzania—convened in Madagascar for a pivotal technical meeting. This workshop aimed to enhance community engagement and involvement in the protection of MPAs in these countries.
