Regional recognition for local communities in the Diana region

Posted on 16 October 2022

Community-based management of natural ecosystems such as land, forest, wildlife, water and sea by grassroots community organizations, associations, local community groups and federations, etc. has gained momentum in the Diana Region.

Thus, it was publicly declared by the Diana Region at the time, during the official ceremony for the awarding of prizes and the closing of the Fagnoesa competition in 2021, that September 29 of each year will henceforth be dedicated to the "day of all grassroots communities active in the territory of the Diana" (regional decree n°018/2022-MID/REG/DIANA). In 2022, about 300 community members took part in the celebration that took place in Ambanja on October 15 and 16.

The event was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, represented by the Director of Protected Areas, Renewable Natural Resources and Ecosystems. Mayors, Regional Department of Environment of the Diana, Sofia, and Sava regions, deputies, governors, the prefecture, the Regional Department of Fisheries and Agriculture also honored with their presence.
This first edition aims to support and encourage the commitment of grassroots communities in fulfilling their role as natural resource managers. These two days were also an opportunity to promote the conditions for a constructive dialogue between territorial decision makers and members of grassroots community organizations.

At the end of the celebration, the communities elected their President of the Federation of Community Organizations of the Diana Region, who is now their spokesperson.
After a unanimous vote, Mr. Abdu Saley, from the district of Nosy Be was elected president. "Our duty and responsibility as local managers of natural resources is important," he said, "we hope that everyone will assume their role and that we will continue to show solidarity. Let's dare to act against the degradation of nature, especially against deforestation. Let's join hands to protect the planet! "

Let's remember that for more than 20 years, conservation actors such as WWF have trusted community-based natural resource management. Over the years, WWF has worked tirelessly with 120 community-based organizations, 41 of which are located in Ambaro Bay and Nosy Hara, representing more than 10,000 individuals involved in local natural resource management.
This first celebration of the regional day of the local communities of the Diana region undoubtedly marks a big step towards the valorization of their actions in the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. The participants thus agreed on the registration of this date among the regional events that cannot be ignored in the field of management and local governance of natural resources in the region. See you in 2023 for the next edition in Ambilobe!