Blue Ventures 249d ago

In the coastal waters of Madagascar, local communities have stepped forward as guardians of their mangrove forests. Mangrove patrollers are the frontline defenders of Madagascar's mangroves. Working across multiple sites, from the Bay of Assassins in the southwest to Tsimipaika Bay in the north, they oversee restoration efforts that span thousands of hectares. In the Velondriake Locally Managed Marine Area (hashtag#LMMAs), ten villages have committed to long-term stewardship, with patrollers monitoring more than 1,200 hectares of mangroves. The impact of their dedication is already visible. In the Bay of Assassins, where mangroves were previously declining by 4.12% annually, patrollers have helped achieve an encouraging 1.08% annual increase in mangrove cover. The work of Madagascar's mangrove patrollers shows that conservation and community welfare go hand in hand. As Jaona Ravelonjatovo, National Technical Lead for Mangrove Science, notes: "This positive change shows what is possible when enabling policy frameworks are in place, and when local communities have the legal rights, tools, and support to sustainably manage their natural resources." Their success offers hope for coastal communities worldwide. Their story demonstrates that with commitment, community organisation, and the right support, it's possible to reverse environmental decline. Find out more about our work to protect and restore Madagascar’s mangrove forests via: https://blueventures.org/respect-these-roots-exploring-the-might-of-mangroves/ #BlueVentures hashtag#Mangroves hashtag#MangroveConservation 📽️ With thanks to Open Planet, whose footage features as part of our mangrove series.