Unfortunately, a portion of these forests has been degraded due to human activities and the impacts of climate change. Several restoration efforts have been undertaken by local communities, particularly in the communes of Delta Tsiribihina and Tsimafana. Various restoration models are applied to ensure biological diversity within these forests. Some mangrove species require propagation in nurseries by community nursery growers, while others are restored through direct planting of propagules in mangrove soils.To strengthen their skills, a pilot training session was organized in September 2025. Over three days, twenty nursery growers from twenty VOIs (community-based organizations) working in pairs were introduced to the responsibilities, techniques, and procedures related to the production, monitoring, and management of young plants, in line with established standards and best restoration practices. Mangrove nursery growers play a vital role by ensuring the daily health and growth of the seedlings.

The training followed a participatory and practical approach. Participants learned how to set up a nursery, prepare substrates (a mixture of soil and organic matter used as a nutrient base for seedlings), sow and handle young plants, and maintain them daily. Sessions also covered plant protection against diseases and the hardening process before transplanting. In addition, participants learned about the importance of meticulous monitoring using registers and tracking sheets to ensure traceability and the success of restoration activities.

Bésir Sylvain, a new nursery grower from Moravagno Bevava, was part of the team that took part in the training. For him, the experience was particularly meaningful: “It was in 2025 that I started working as a nursery grower. I realized how essential this responsibility is both to protect the environment and to improve our living conditions. Our survival depends directly on the mangrove, where we fish. This training taught me all the techniques I need to manage a nursery properly. It was my very first training, and I gained so much valuable knowledge.”

For her part, Razafainiriana Charlà, a mother of three girls and a nursery grower in Ambakivao, shared her commitment: “During a village meeting, the president of our VOI was looking for volunteers to become nursery growers and take care of the seedlings. I raised my hand because I see every day how much our environment is deteriorating, the trees are disappearing, and that puts our future at risk. I wanted to take action.” For Charlà as well, the training was a true opportunity: “It was a great chance for me. We learned new techniques from setting up nursery beds to visiting operational nurseries in Tsimandrafoza. Just one week after the training, we had already set up two nursery beds with nearly a thousand young plants.” While Charlà acknowledges that the work is not easy, she remains motivated: “Even setting up the nursery beds requires a lot of strength and energy, but I stay motivated because I do it for my life and for my children’s future.”

WWF, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development of Menabe, supports the nursery growers with technical and material assistance to help them monitor their activities. These newly trained nursery growers are already operational, equipped with materials (pots, shovels, basins, etc.) that allow them to start effectively. These activities have been carried out with financial support fromVELUX group Denmark. The project simultaneously supports ecological restoration actions and the strengthening of local community capacities.