Salary Bay and Ambola
Background and objectives
The considerable pressures exerted by local actors, especially the communities of fishermen (occasional, seasonal and traditional), significantly contribute to the degradation of the marine environment.
This has been demonstrated by the preliminary results of a recent study carried out along the Toliara coral reef complex.
Dependent on a subsistence economy, local communities have to exploit the natural resources in an excessive way to meet their needs. In addition to the human pressures, the impacts of climate change are also visible in different places, in particular the most vulnerable areas such as the reef edge and flat.
However, we have identifi ed that important areas with strong conservation potential still exist (Salary Bay and the Ambola area) within this Coral Reef Complex, for which the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a priority of the Malagasy Government (presently at the third stage of the Environmental Program).
The Project goal is to preserve in the long term the biodiversity in the Toliara Coral Reef Complex in harmony with the needs of the local communities living nearby.
The project purpose is to create marine protected areas within the Toliara Reef Complex, whilst responding to the socio-economical needs of the local fishermen.
The project objectives are to:
Dependent on a subsistence economy, local communities have to exploit the natural resources in an excessive way to meet their needs. In addition to the human pressures, the impacts of climate change are also visible in different places, in particular the most vulnerable areas such as the reef edge and flat.
However, we have identifi ed that important areas with strong conservation potential still exist (Salary Bay and the Ambola area) within this Coral Reef Complex, for which the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a priority of the Malagasy Government (presently at the third stage of the Environmental Program).
The Project goal is to preserve in the long term the biodiversity in the Toliara Coral Reef Complex in harmony with the needs of the local communities living nearby.
The project purpose is to create marine protected areas within the Toliara Reef Complex, whilst responding to the socio-economical needs of the local fishermen.
The project objectives are to:
- Reinforce the interests of all local actors in the implementation of MPAs;
- Create the marine protected area in Salary Bay and make it operational; and
- Reinforce the benefi ts of this creation for the local communities.
WWF MWIOPO staff at Salary Bay
Project Data
- Managing Office: WWF Madagascar and West Indian Ocean Programme Office
- Address:
WWF Madagascar and West Indian Ocean Programme Office
B.P. 738
Antananarivo 101
Madagascar
+261 20 22 348 85
Description and execution
In order to face the pressures degrading the coral reef complex, and in order to preserve the ecological integrity of the region, WWF through its marine program will implement the project by aiming at reinforcing activities that have been carried out since 2005, and by contributing to the effective implementation of the marine protected area. The coordination system established with the initiatives of other sectors (development, fi shery, tourism) in the same area, and the enthusiasm currently established in the villages, will ensure the continuity of activities being carried out, and allow reaching the original objectives of creating the marine protected area, while responding to the socio economic needs of the local population.
The project is in its initial stage of implementation. The activities to be developed and implemented will be mainly based on the results and further study of the ecological and socio-economic studies carried out in the target areas. The studies allow better targeting of habitats for future conservation focus, in collaboration with the local actors.
The project is in its initial stage of implementation. The activities to be developed and implemented will be mainly based on the results and further study of the ecological and socio-economic studies carried out in the target areas. The studies allow better targeting of habitats for future conservation focus, in collaboration with the local actors.
Kids at Salary Bay
Challenges
The creation of the Marine Protected Area will be carried out in such a way that the different interest groups (fi shery, tourism, mining, oil) are involved and agree on the strategy to manage this unique place and to maintain its rich natural resources. The project will help create and make operational a discussion forum for these actors. This aims at establishing a common vision on the protection and sustainable use of the living marine resources of the Toliara Coral Reef Complex. This vision will lead to enhance the synergy between different activities that were developed, eliminate risks of redundancy in the activities carried out, and to unite efforts in order to obtain the best results. Local fishers will be fully involved in the process and will play key role in the
management of the MPAs, which in turn will provide them with direct benefits.
Concretely, the implementation will focus on:
management of the MPAs, which in turn will provide them with direct benefits.
Concretely, the implementation will focus on:
- the continuation of public consultations and education/ awareness raising activities through different meetings and discussions with local actors;
- defining the management objectives and the zoning;
- defining the appropriate type of governance in a participatory
- manner;
- establishing a management system and structure and making it operational;
- establishing offi cially the Marine Protected Areas; and
- promoting income generating activities for the local population.
Fishermen prepare their fishing line before they put to sea