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Women lead community development in Antsohimbondrona, Ambaro Bay

Posted on 28 April 2025

The dynamic female involvement of the community-based organization of Antsohimbondrona, in the Ambaro Bay, Diana region, plays a central role in the success of conservation actions. The membership is 75% female, as most of the women live without husbands or jobs. As the men have to go fishing or work in factories, the women prefer to devote their free time to nature rather than stand idly by. In 2024, 142 women contributed to the restoration of 41.35 ha of mangroves in Antsohimbondrona. Monitoring of the restoration work carried out during patrols, also largely carried out by women, has shown encouraging results, despite the strong anthropic pressures on these ecosystems. As the mangroves are located close to a farm that welcomes migrants from the south, they are particularly vulnerable to illegal logging and charcoal-burning, which are often difficult to control.

Two inspiring women's voices

Alima is a single mother and has been involved in the Antsohimbondrona community-based organization for nine years now, supporting the development of her village. In her role as Relay Farmer within the Village Saving and Loans Association, Alima trains members in financial management to create sources of income for the community, and thus reduce their dependence on natural resources. “I teach my peers how to save and manage their finances effectively”, she confided.

With her other hat on as a community patrolwoman, Alima is responsible for detecting cases of illegal exploitation of resources in the mangroves, such as the theft of crabs and shrimps, particularly during the closed season and following the ripening of the crustaceans. “I've noticed that crabs used to be easy to find in the mangroves, and we used to eat a lot of them. But now, the area is becoming increasingly exposed to various types of exploitation. People are arriving with fishing gear to collect crabs, even juveniles that are still in the growth phase. We need committed and motivated people to continue protecting our fishery resources” she continues. Aware of the necessity of her commitment to nature and her community, it was without hesitation that she took the initiative to participate in mangrove conservation efforts. Her involvement has brought her many benefits: “I've learned a lot thanks to the many exchanges and training courses I've benefited from as a member of the community-based organization. I try to apply all the knowledge I've acquired in my daily life. I now know how to manage my finances, how to save while earning interest, and how to spend wisely. I raise awareness and encourage women to preserve our natural resources, because it's not just men's responsibility.”

Soatombo, another of these committed women leaders, is a single mother of five. She grows corn, rice and cotton to support her household. Having joined the Antsohimbondrona community organization in 2018, Soatombo is actively involved in mangrove restoration. For her, the participation of women in conservation actions is essential: “I want to protect our natural heritage to preserve the future of future generations. For example, I'm not a patroller, but I'm not afraid to intercept anyone who commits an offence inside our mangroves. I'd like other people to get involved in restoration. In fact, just this morning, I encouraged one of the women in the community to join us in safeguarding our ecosystems.”