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Renewal of TGRN contracts in Ankazomahity and Angodorofo for the continuity of sustainable local management

Posted on 27 June 2025

At the end of their first three-year contracts for the transfer of natural resource management (TGRN), the VOI Mandroso (Ankazomahity) and Aro Harena Voajanahary (Angodorofo), responsible for managing 429.37 hectares and 491 hectares of mangroves respectively, located in the rural commune of Beramanja, Diana region, have had their commitments renewed for the next five years. This extension follows a positive evaluation conducted by the teams of the Regional Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development (DREDD) Diana, assessing management tools, the ecological status of the mangroves—divided into three zones (core zone, customary rights, restoration)—as well as social impacts. Within this framework, two official ceremonies were held on June 18 and 20 in the Fokontany of Ankazomahity and Angodorofo.

The ceremony brought together nearly 850 people from the two concerned Fokontany, including the head of the regional forestry service of Diana, local and regional authorities and representatives, members of the VOI Ambaro Federation, village elders, and communities from the thirteen surrounding sectors. The presence of the Prince of Beramanja gave a special significance to the event.

This renewal is also the result of a long consultation process with stakeholders, as well as support from WWF. The latter has backed conservation and mangrove restoration actions, as well as income-generating activities in these Fokontany, aiming to strengthen the resilience and well-being of local communities while reducing pressure on renewable natural resources. This support included the establishment of Community Savings Groups (GEC), the development of beekeeping, fish farming, and the raffia value chain. WWF provided logistical and financial support throughout the contract renewal process for VOI Mandroso and Aro Harena Voajanahary, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development (DREDD).

Beyond the contract signing, the ceremony aimed to formalize and ritualize this commitment, a symbol of the collective will to preserve natural resources for future generations. And to emphasize the importance of this commitment, several strong voices were heard:

“Let’s commit together to protect our environment so that our natural wealth does not become mere legends for future generations.” — Ravohely Bradrodine, Mayor of Beramanja

“The renewal of the management contract demonstrates the ability of VOI Mandroso Ankazomahity to ensure effective and responsible management of its resources.” — Mr. Grall Vincent, Parliamentary Assistant in Ambilobe

“The VOI of Ankazomahity is legally recognized, in accordance with Decree 2000-027: only a VOI group is authorized to manage natural resources, whether terrestrial or marine, under Law 96-025 of September 30, 1999.” — Joachim Metozela, Head of the Regional Forestry Service of Diana