WIOMPAN’s first ever international MPA exchange visit recently concluded, marking a significant step forward in marine protected area (MPA) management across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. This collaborative program, co-organized by the SPGA-Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network (WIOMPAN), and supported by the Joint Nature Conservation
LEWA CONSERVANCY, KENYA – The African Ranger Congress (ARC) 2025, held from September 17th to 21st at the iconic Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, was a landmark event for rangers across the continent. Under the theme “Improving Ranger Welfare and Standards,” the congress served as a powerful platform for unity, learning, and advocacy. The WIOMPAN Kenya Chapter
Coral Garden Conservation (CGC) is a Mauritian NGO working to protect and restore coastal and marine ecosystems through a community-led, ridge-to-reef approach. Our work extends across the island, from voluntary marine conservation areas at St Félix and Le Morne to coastal planting initiatives that stabilise sandy beaches and strengthen natural resilience. This short film tells
Using the intersection between research into behaviour change and conservation, this short film draws on what the scientific community, across disciplines, has learnt and tackles issues including ocean pollution, acidification, chemical runoff into the sea, the loss of biodiversity, and the role of personal responsibility and self-efficacy. It is backed by science: Research shows us
In August 2025, Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) proudly joined hands with global partners in a groundbreaking Coral Conservation and Restoration Training held on Mansuar Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This intensive one-month training, organized by the Small Islands Organisation (SMILO) in collaboration with The Sea People – Orang Laut Papua, Ocean Gardener, and The Ropes
From July 21 to 27, 2025, COMRED hosted seventeen individuals from Madagascar working in marine conservation. This delegation included “Ocean Defenders” – fishermen and women actively preserving ecosystems within their communities – and representatives from NGOs such as Natiora Defenders, Blue Ventures, the Velondriake Association, and WCS. They visited the Beach Management Units (BMUs) of
The future Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Barren Isles, situated in the Melaky region of Madagascar, represents a marine paradise that is under threat from overfishing and climate change. In an effort to address these pressing issues, eleven local community leaders participated in an exchange visit to the Velondriake Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA)
As part of its ongoing commitment to support sustainable marine resource management and empower small-scale fishers, the MIHARI Network organized two major exchange visits in July and August—one in Nosy Ve Androka (Atsimo Andrefana) and another in Sainte Luce (Atsimo Atsinanana). These visits brought together LMMA leaders from across Madagascar to observe firsthand the EbA
WIOMSA has recognised for some time that we need to have a better understanding of what is known as Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK), and how this can help in strengthening the management of our marine and coastal resources. This knowledge has developed over many hundreds of years and can add an important dimension to
The distribution of dugongs in the southwest Indian Ocean is fragmented, with very small populations. The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique hosts the largest known population, while other countries only have limited data. Genetic analyses highlight a loss of diversity, increasing the species’ vulnerability and the need for coordinated action. As part of the Dugong National
