The joint celebration of the "International Day of Sea Turtles" and "International Day of Mangroves" in Analalava, Sofia region, highlights the strategic importance of Madagascar's coastal ecosystems. Madagascar stands at the heart of international conservation challenges. Indeed, five of the seven sea turtle species recorded worldwide – the green turtle, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley – frequent its waters, alongside the Kemp's ridley and flatback turtles. This was announced during the recent dual international celebration held in Analalava, Sofia region. The country thus constitutes a particularly important territory for their conservation in the Indian Ocean. Its vast coastal zones, reefs, seagrass beds, nesting beaches, and mangroves provide essential habitats for different stages of their life cycle.
Under Pressure
This richness remains fragile. Sea turtles face multiple threats, including accidental capture in fishing gear, poaching, degradation of nesting sites and marine habitats, and pollution, particularly plastic. Climate change adds additional pressure on these species by altering habitat and nesting beach conditions. Protecting sea turtles thus also requires protecting mangroves, which serve as shelter and growth zones for numerous marine species and contribute to coastal protection. These issues were raised during the joint celebration in Analalava.