Findings, responsibilities and action plans—this summarizes two days of scientific reflection that brought together researchers, students and the public at the University of Toliara. Biodiversity, food security, wetlands, reefs, agriculture, migration, water, health, vegetation fires and marine plastics were among the main topics addressed.
The panel organized last Friday, the final day of the international colloquium on natural resources and climate change, highlighted action plans to address forest degradation, reef decline and the progressive disappearance of groundwater. It was emphasized that urgent solutions are needed given that Toliara faces rising sea levels due to its low elevation, as well as ocean acidification and warming.
A local community representative speaking at the panel recalled the decline of ancestral prohibitions and customs related to medicinal plant use. It was thus requested that research results be returned to affected communities and that scientific knowledge be brought closer to traditional knowledge.
Professor Jacky Youssouf, lecturer at the University of Toliara, reminded participants that accelerating climate change results largely from human activities. However, all agreed that the impoverishment of local populations limits the effectiveness of awareness campaigns conducted by various entities to promote behavioral change.
The international colloquium highlighted the energy potential of "tioka atimo" (the South Wind) and pastoral practices of the South. The sacred plant "Lambakoaky" and the maritime knowledge of the Vezo were also integrated into concepts of territories, languages and traditions of local populations.
Research belongs to researchers and practical actions resulting from research findings are the responsibility of government and parliament, organizers stressed.
"Our work ends with research. We have determined, for example, that climate change effects are linked to energy choices, living conditions and environmental policy implementation. However, directly applicable solutions have been proposed such as community entrepreneurship, coastal forest protection and natural building cooling," explained Francis Veriza, president of the University of Toliara.
He added that preserving natural resources in Toliara specifically requires better water and forest management, effective law enforcement and genuine dialogue between scientific knowledge, traditional knowledge and public decision-making.
Research results will be returned to local communities for translation into actions adapted to territorial realities. All findings from the colloquium on "Climate, Natural Resources and Societies: Challenges and Solutions for a Sustainable Future" will be submitted to the Presidency of Madagascar's Refoundation and various ministries for urgent implementation.