The fokontany of Ambalaboy, Madiorano and Amboaboaky, on the northern coast of Toliara, now have permanent marine seagrass reserves. Validation by various representatives of communities and authorities from the northern coast of Toliara, ranging from Ifaty in Belalanda commune to Manombo commune, as well as from the Atsimo Andrefana region, was required for the establishment of these permanent reserves. A validation workshop organized on July 10 in Madiorano, in Toliara II district, authorized the implementation of permanent marine seagrass reserves.
"Marine seagrasses are essential habitats for many marine species, as they serve as breeding grounds, feeding areas and refuges for fish, crustaceans, sea turtles and other associated organisms," explains Lambo Filantsoa, executive director of NGO ACB (Action for Community and Biodiversity).
According to these explanations, marine seagrasses contribute to maintaining fishing productivity, protecting coasts against erosion and storing blue carbon. In total, 21.5 hectares in these three fokontany become permanent reserves. "This is a process of conserving marine seagrasses. An essential initiative for preserving marine biodiversity as well as for sustainable improvement of the livelihoods of coastal communities," adds the director.
Surveillance and protection committees for the reserves have been created, marking a major step towards participatory governance of ecosystems by local communities. The implementation of "dina," as one of the management and conservation measures for seagrass reserves, accompanied by surveillance patrols, was discussed. The validation workshop highlighted the bitter reality that the ecosystem is today strongly threatened by human activities. Destructive fishing practices, using mosquito nets or beach seines, trampling, boat anchoring and silting contribute significantly to the degradation of the marine ecosystem.
This sustainable conservation strategy, through the establishment of permanent marine seagrass reserves, allows natural regeneration of seagrasses. Socio-economic benefits were presented, such as improved fish resources, support for sustainable fishing activities and strengthened food security for local communities. The NGO states it is improving collaboration with local communities through progressive development of collective responsibility in protecting marine resources. Women and men, fishers or not, living on this part of the northern coast of Toliara, are being made aware of the need to respect conservation measures for the reserves. "The success of conservation begins with community commitment," emphasized Lambo Filantsoa.
NGO ACB was created in 2023 and this initiative to establish permanent marine seagrass reserves is part of the ACH project (Action for Marine Seagrass Conservation).