A delegation from Diana region traveled to Tanzania to learn best practices in community-based and sustainable natural resource management. In Makombeni Zanzibar, local communities have developed sea cucumber farming as a revenue-generating activity.

Facing growing challenges in preserving natural resources, Diana region is taking a new step forward. Fifteen environmental stakeholders, including representatives from local authorities, the ReSea project (Marine Landscapes for People, Climate and Nature), decentralized technical services, community-based organizations (VOI), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), participated in an immersion mission in Tanzania to draw inspiration from proven models of community management and sustainable development.

According to interviews with the Malagasy delegation upon their return to the North, this exchange mission identified several best practices that could be adapted to the Malagasy context, specifically to Diana region. The mission aimed to foster experience and best practice sharing with Tanzanian community-based organizations and various actors engaged in natural resource conservation, while contributing to improved livelihoods for local communities. Meetings, field visits, and sharing sessions enabled identification of innovative approaches and strengthened cooperation between Malagasy and Tanzanian environmental actors.

The Malagasy delegation began its mission with an exchange visit to Pemba (Zanzibar) to explore best practices in community-based marine resource management and blue economy development. It then visited several locally-managed marine zones, observing successful initiatives combining sustainable marine resource management—including watermelon farming, seaweed cultivation, fish farming, crab farming, and marine product valorization—with mangrove, reef, and seagrass conservation and restoration.

Community Governance

The mission highlighted the effectiveness of community governance, strong women's leadership representing nearly 80% of active association members, and a legal framework granting local communities significant autonomy in natural resource management. The exchange demonstrated that sustainable development is primarily driven by community initiatives, with government institutions and development partners playing complementary roles in deepening local efforts.

The experience provided valuable lessons for Diana region's VOIs, encouraging respective communities to share learned lessons while promoting sustainable marine resource management for present and future generations.

Beyond learning, this mission also showcased Malagasy expertise. The Antsiranana delegation presented experiences, achievements, and best practices developed through sustainable environmental management, illustrating efforts to reconcile ecosystem preservation with local development.

At the heart of this initiative lies a clear objective: strengthen local actors' capacities by comparing Malagasy practices with proven Tanzanian models. "Beyond technical exchanges, this visit confirmed that governance based on empowered communities, supported by appropriate legal frameworks and strong women's involvement, constitutes one of the foundations of sustainable blue economy and effective natural resource management," said Jean Claude Velomanana, delegation member.

Raheriniaina