Championing community-led conservation success in Manambolo-Tsiribihina Mangroves

Posted on 10 December 2024

As part of Madagascar's forestry policy, community-based management of natural resources is founded on a key principle: “empowering local communities.”

This approach involves delegating certain conservation responsibilities to communities, granting them a central role in the sustainable management of their natural heritage. These responsibilities are formalized in community management contracts, which are initially set for three years and renewable for five or ten years. Over the years, the implementation of these contracts has led to the emergence of good practices adapted to local contexts. However, these best practices often remain little known and unshared, limiting their dissemination and adoption in other communities.

The principle of active participation by the entire community in the management of natural resources fosters genuine ownership of conservation efforts. This approach offers a sustainable solution for promoting harmonious development, where human life coexists in balance with nature. To address the lack of exchange, WWF has initiated a collective effort to identify and share successful community management practices in the Manambolo-Tsiribihina landscape in Morondava, Menabe region. The focus is on the application of the Dina (a traditional and community regulation) and the implementation of the development and management plan tool for protected areas.

In November, a workshop brought together representatives from grassroots communities, fokontany chiefs, members of Dina implementation committees, as well as district and prefecture officials, and representatives from the Regional Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development and Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. The event provided an opportunity for participants to share their local experiences regarding the respect of community rights and active involvement in the management of natural resources.
Donnant, the chief of the Ankevo Sur Mer fokontany in the commune of Belo sur Mer, shared his experience of applying the Dina in his community: “Recently, someone was caught using destructive fishing gear. The management committee summoned her to discuss the offense and informed the local authorities. As a result of this infraction, a fine was imposed.”

During group work focused on the valorization of traditional structures, exchanges between communities enabled the sharing of enriching experiences. For the « Analamaintso tsy ho gnanolo » community-based organization in the Kivalo fokontany, it was emphasized that strengthening the traditional structure has helped reinforce awareness-raising efforts, effectively apply the Dina, and ensure compliance with community management rules. For the « Tahio ny antena grassroots » community-based organization in the Tsianaloka fokontany, the importance of full and inclusive participation, particularly the integration of women into the committee, was highlighted as essential for ensuring the effective implementation of the Dina, while also reinforcing the legitimacy and impartiality of the process.