Nosy Hara's LMMAs strengthen their skills for sustainable governance

In Nosy Hara Marine Park, northwest of Madagascar, local communities are actively involved in the governance of natural resources. Organized within LMMAs (Locally Managed Marine Areas), these communities work in close collaboration with WWF. Today, to better cover the 19 villages in the Nosy Hara area, and since September 20, 2024, they have been officially recognized by the authorities as LMMAs.

Their assets? they live on the site, they know the cycles of the sea, the traditional practices, the challenges, the seasons... Which gives them the best capacity to restore mangroves, sustainably manage fishery resources and give new life to seafood products.

To help improve the performance of these structures in their contribution to the governance of fishery resources, WWF is providing support to ensure that they have adequate capacity in all areas. With this in mind, a capacity-building workshop focusing on advocacy and leadership was held from April 23 to 25 in Antsiranana. This workshop enabled members of the offices of 4 LMMAs to benefit from enriching training: Tsaradia (7 villages), Miara-Mandroso (5 villages), Mamelona Arivo (4 villages) and Lovainjafy (3 villages).

Between theory, practice, exchanges and traditions, the LMMA members were able to build a collective vision for a sustainable future, through two major themes: 1) the foundations of leadership, vision and inspiration and 2) the key roles and skills of a good leader, leadership styles and their adaptation to different situations. Among the visions developed by the LMMAs, notably that of Mr Tombohasy, President of LMMA Mamelona Arivo, was the following: “the entire Ampasindava coast will be full of mangroves and the community will be financially self-sufficient”.

Thanks to this capacity-building, the Nosy Hara park co-managers are now better equipped in terms of leadership, community mobilization and advocacy, to become leaders committed to carrying the voice of communities in favor of a sustainable future. A fine illustration of a conservation model that works, driven by communities and for communities.