The fokontany of Ambalaboy, Madiorano, and Amboaboaky, located on the northern coast of Toliara, now have permanent seagrass reserves. The establishment of these reserves was validated by community representatives and authorities from the northern Toliara coast, spanning from Ifaty in the Belalanda commune to the Manombo commune, as well as the Atsimo Andrefana region. A validation workshop held on July 10 in Madiorano, Toliara II district, officially authorized the creation of these protected areas.
“Seagrass beds are essential habitats for numerous marine species, serving as breeding, feeding, and refuge zones for fish, crustaceans, sea turtles, and other associated organisms,” explains Lambo Filantsoa, Executive Director of the NGO ACB (Action for Community and Biodiversity).
According to these explanations, seagrass beds contribute to maintaining fishery productivity, protecting coasts from erosion, and sequestering blue carbon. A total of 21.5 hectares across these three fokontany have been designated as permanent reserves.
“This is a conservation process for seagrass beds. It is an essential initiative for the preservation of marine biodiversity as well as for the sustainable improvement of the livelihoods of coastal communities,” the director added.
Surveillance and protection committees have been established, marking a major step toward participatory ecosystem governance by local communities. The implementation of “dina” (local customary laws) as a management and conservation measure, supported by surveillance patrols, was also discussed. The workshop highlighted the grim reality that the ecosystem is currently heavily threatened by human activities, including destructive fishing practices such as the use of mosquito nets or beach seines, trampling, boat anchoring, and sedimentation.
This sustainable conservation strategy allows for the natural regeneration of seagrass beds. Socio-economic benefits were presented, such as the improvement of fishery resources, support for sustainable fishing activities, and the strengthening of food security for local communities.
The NGO states it is improving its collaboration with local communities by progressively developing collective responsibility in protecting marine resources. Both women and men, whether fishers or not, living along this part of the northern Toliara coast, are being sensitized to respect the conservation measures. “The success of conservation begins with the commitment of the communities,” emphasized Lambo Filantsoa.
The NGO ACB was created in 2023, and this initiative is part of the ACH (Action for Seagrass Conservation) project.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-20 06:27:01 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/ecologie-et-biodiversite-des-reserves.html