Site summary of Velondriake- Gildas Andriamalala
VELONDRIAKE COMMUNITY-BASED MANAGED PROTECTED AREA PRIDE
CAMPAIGN
Abstract
The Velondriake protected area is located in the South West of Madagascar and covers an
area of 823 square km over 40 km of coastline. Officially created in 2006, it is a locally
driven initiative of the community of fishermen known as Vezo. Velondriake is a complex
site of terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The project focuses mainly on the marine
ecosystem which is composed of a variety of mangrove species, sea grasses and a fascinating
coral reef system populated by hundreds of species of fishes. The population of Velondriake
is about 8500 people and more than half of them are under 15 years old. They depend heavily
on the marine resources for livelihood and income. Unfortunately, apart from the natural
factors, human behaviours toward the sea threaten the marine resources and habitats, such as
overfishing, use of destructive method of fishing and exploitation of threatened species The
conservation project, such as marine environmental education and conservation of the
resources was established by the community in 2003 with the support of Blue ventures and
Wildlife Conservation Society Madagascar. The project includes 25 villages. The result of
the initiative was the implementation of the Velondriake protected area in 2006. Management
plans were established with different strategies such as temporary and permanent marine
reserve closure, a local law known as a Dina to govern the site and environmental education
by the community’s partners. All of those strategies are approved by the government and
follows national legislation. The aim of the pride campaign is to complete those existing
community initiatives by raising awareness and changing community behaviour to practice
responsible way of fishing. Campaign manager will work closely with them with the support
of existing and potential partners to achieve properly the campaign project.
1. Site Summary
1.1. Description of Physical Site
Definition of Site
The Velondriake (http://www.livewiththesea.org) “live with the sea” Community-based
Managed Protected Area (VCBMPA) is located at 22o 04 17.13’’ S, 43o 14 29 23” E (Google
Earth) in the South West region of Madagascar; precisely, in the Commune of Befandefa,
approximately 150 km north of the regional capital of Toliara and 45 km south of Morombe
the District capital (Langley et al. 2006), The Protected Area was officially created by the
initiative of the local community of fishermen in the region in 2006. Despite the approval by
government to declare Velondriake as a protected area, Velondriake does not yet have the
legal status as a protected area, we are still in the process to get it. All of the documents
needed were already submitted to the government but we’re still waiting their decision to get
it.
VCBMPA is composed of 25 coastal terrestrial villages (see map 1), with a population of
approximately 8500 people (WCS 2006). The economy in the region is dominated by small
scales fisheries, principally Octopus cyanaea fisheries operated by regional fisheries
company for exportation and along with other natural marine resources. The Velondriake
Community-based protected area is also known as Velondriake or Andavadoka, after the
village which was chosen as a pilot site for the project.
Map 1 showing location of Veloondriake in Madagascar and zonation of the protected area
included
all villages
Physical Region
-
Topography
-
Physical Region
-Topography and geology
The proposed Velondriake (http://www.livewiththesea.org)
management envelope
containing all individual proposed protected and managed habitats equals 823km2 in size,
covering over 40km of coastline.
A total of 1000 km of coral reefs surround Madagascar. Andavadoaka’s reefs are at the
northern end of a reef system that stretches almost 350 km, the third largest continuous reef
system in the world. The reefs of Andavadoaka are situated between 3 and 5 km offshore.
The reef systems along Madagascar's southwest coast are more complex than anywhere else
in Madagascar, comprised of shoreline fringing communities, a series of inner lagoon reefs
and a barrier reef.
The west coast of Madagascar is made up of sedimentary formations deposited in multiple
layers over time. The broad alluvial plains found along the west coast, from Mahajanga to
Toliara, are believed to have great agricultural potential but remain sparsely populated and
largely unexploited. Since ancient times, traders and pirates from Europe, Africa and the
Middle East have been drawn to the region's deep bays and well-protected harbours, making
the west coast an important bridge between Madagascar and the outside world.
There is no significant river flow or associated sediment within 100 km of Velondriake. This
is because rivers that flow to the west coast tend to be longer and slower, due to the gradual
slope of the land. The major rivers along the west coast are the Sambirano, the Mahajamba,
the Betsiboka, the Mania, the North and South Mahavavy, the Mangoky and the Onilahy
Topography
image.shtml)
Map
of
Madagascar:
(http://geology.com/world/madagascar-satellite-
- Climate
Madagascar has a tropical climate split between a dry and a wet season. Velondriake
(http://www.livewiththesea.org) is located in one of the driest areas of the country with an
annual rainfall that can be less than 36 cm and a dry season that can last 9 to 11 months. This
lack of precipitation is experienced by the majority of southern Madagascar and is in stark
contrast to the heavy rains carried by the south easterly trade winds to the eastern and northwestern coasts from May to September and the monsoon rains experienced by the western
coast from October to April. A combination of geographical factors means that these rains do
not reach the southwestern coast, creating a semi-arid environment for much of the south of
the country punctuated only by a brief rainy season that usually runs from December to
February. Across the country, the temperature varies with altitude, with coastal areas being
the hottest. Temperatures in the Andavadoaka region average 21 to 28 degrees Celsius (70 to
80 degrees Farenheit).Water temperatures are seasonal, ranging from 22-24 degrees Celsius
in the coolest month (August), to 28-30 degrees Celsius in February, the warmest month.
Infrastructure around Site
The Andavadoaka region is very remote place; the access to the site is very limited. As a
result, there is a lack of infrastructure, services and facilities. No paved road reaches the site
and only one unmade road from Morombe in the north and another one from the South,
Toliara pass the site. There is no public transportation in the area; community use their
proper pirogue (see picture 1) to travel by the sea or rely on fisheries company boat and
camion (trucks). One hospital, established by non profit Italian doctors, was opened in 2008
in Andavadoaka but before that, members of the community had to travel to the district
capital in order to find better treatments. Schools are present in only 15 villages, and all of
them are primary schools apart from one secondary school in Andavadoaka. There is limited
mobile phone coverage in the region and no landline or internet facilities, meaning that the
main methods of communication are mail and radio communications. For water supply, the
community use wells all around Velondriake, which is one factor that can affect their health.
For food and furniture supply, some groceries are available in each village (Andriamalala
2008).
Picture 1- Pirogue trip
1.2. Socio-Economic Characteristics of Site
Land Use/Land Tenure
The Velondriake community based protected area is included in Category VI in the IUCN
category of Protected Area, which is a “protected area managed mainly for the sustainable
use of natural ecosystems Area containing predominantly unmodified natural systems,
managed to ensure long term protection and maintenance of biological diversity, while
providing at the same time a sustainable flow of natural products and services to meet
community needs” (IUCN 1994). Velondriake has the type of governance IV which is the
community based governance in the technical document of the SAPM (Systeme d’Aire
Protegee Malgache). The SAPM defines the different types of Protected Area in Madagascar.
Still, as part of the public propriety, the law 96 025 on the community management of natural
resources states that the community are only managers but the ownership is still on the hand
of the government. It is represented hierarchically by the mayor at local level, the District
chief and Regional Chief at upper level for any land request from anyone. But, any interest
for land in the area still needs to be accepted by the community in order to be approved by
the higher level. Concerning the ownership of the land in the area, some propriety are legally
registered in the governmental service but some of community owned land is only
traditionally recognised by community but is not registered. Some parts of this land which
are unoccupied are weakly taken by other people requesting it legally from the government.
Main Livelihoods and Incomes
The main sources of income in the region are fisheries activities. Census data conducted by
WCS Madagascar in 2006 showed that 75% of the total population are employed within the
fishing industry in some capacity. Apart from that, three inland villages depend mostly on
farming. A small amount of people work for the Catholic mission as teachers.
The graph below showed the income-generating activities in only Andavadoaka village, from
the 2006 census, conducted by Langley; this can give us a good indication for the whole
region even though based just in Andavadoaka.
Occupations: income-generating activities
Religion
services
4%
2%
2%
2%
1%
Fisherman
Retailer/merchant
Other
Fish collector
Fish collector
4%
Other
5%
Retailer/
merchant
8%
Fisherman
71%
Religion services
Coco Beach employee
Teacher
Animal Husbandry
Bar owner
Religion
Cultivation
Ancilliary fishing industry
Fish processor
Domestic Helper
School employee
Site population and neighbors
The population of Velondriake is mainly Vezo, which is one of the 18 ethnic groups in
Madagascar. The Vezo region is the SW coast of Madagascar, which extends from
Morondava in the north, to Itampolo in the south. Vezo people rely on the sea for food and
transport. Their identity is based on living in the moment and indicates proficiency at fishing
and sailing and are never found to live more than an hours walk from the coast (Astitu 2005).
The population of Velondriake, as mentioned previously, is divided into 1400 households
which give an average number of around 5 people per household (WCS 2006). Following the
socio economic research conducting in nine villages representing the site in 2007, the number
of men and women in the area is almost equal. Velondriake has a very young population:
53% of the population is under 15 years old, 24% between 16 to 30 years old, 15% between
31 to 50 years old and only 8% more than 50 years old. The working age (the age when they
are able to go fishing) is from 8 years old to 64 years old (Andriamalala 2008).
Mainly, the Velondriake site has three neighbours located in the northern, southern and
eastern areas. From the North, the population of the Morombe which is the District capital of
the region; the Velondriake community have a strong relationship with Morombe because
some of the community have their family there; apart from that, many marine resources
traders are based in Morombe. As well, the public transportation to reach the regional capital
is in Morombe. Also, importantly, many fishermen from the Velondriake region migrate
seasonally to villages located further in the north every year.
Many people from the southern regions migrate to Velondriake to find a better zone for
fishing; these often create a conflict between both communities because those people
sometimes use destructive fishing gears that are prohibited in Velondriake region.
Finally, the Masikoro tribe is settled in all villages located to the east of Velondriake. These
communities contribute a lot to the Velondriake community life; they are all farmers, so, they
provide food such as rice, kasava, sweet potatoes maize (which is the basic food in
Madagascar) to the fishermen. At the same time they are part of the fish collectors in the area
(Andriamalala personal observation 2006 to 2008.)
Education constitutes the main problem in the Velondriake region. The socioeconomic
research conducted in 2007 showed that 67% of the population who are greater than 16 years
old stopped at primary school, 11% at secondary school, 3% at high school, only 5 people
went or at university and 19% never went to school. Data also showed that only 34% of the
population under 16 years old are in school at this moment (Andriamalala 2008).
1.3. Main Factors Affecting the Site
Known Threats to Local Biodiversity
Southwest Madagascar exhibits one of the largest and most biologically diverse coral reef
systems in the western Indian Ocean (Cooke et al. 2000). These reefs not only provide
critical biodiversity habitats but are also essential to the survival of the semi - nomadic Vezo
communities, who are completely dependent on the region’s marine environments for food,
transport, income and cultural identity. Despite their enormous biological, social and
economic importance, the region’s marine environments are facing severe threats from
climate change and direct anthropogenic impacts. Bleaching events have continued in recent
years as a result of periods of anomalous warming of sea surface temperature. These broad scale climatic stresses have coincided with a dramatic increase in fishing activities in recent
years. Coastal population growth, limited employment opportunities, combined with low
agricultural productivity, resulted in a five - fold increase in the fishing population in a period
of 17 years. Rich marine resources of coastal areas in the region have long attracted people
from inland up to the early 1990’s, causing an overexploitation of marine resources,
especially near urban centers such as Toliara (Gabrié et al. 2000). Laroche et al. (1997)
provide evidence that over - fishing in the Toliara region has led fishers to target lower value
fish in an effort to sustain yields in the face of reduced stocks of large piscivorous species. At
the beginning of 2000, over 50 % of the artisanal fishing in Madagascar was estimated to
occur along the reef systems of the southwest (Cooke et al.2000).
Although fishing methods are still traditional, the recent introduction of market exports for
fresh seafood products, as opposed to the traditional dried and salted fish market, has led to
an increase in the value and exploitation of target species. This increase has been
accompanied by a change in recent years from a largely barter and subsistence economy to a
fisheries - dependent cash - in fishing intensity seen in recent years and has raised concerns
amongst local communities and conservation groups of direct reef damage and
overexploitation.
The best known threats in Velondriake are those towards the marine environment and is the
focus of the project. Since 2003, Blue Ventures has conducted monitoring of the marine
resources and assessed the state of coral reefs in the Velondriake region. Previously, some
marine scientists had also conducted some research in the South West of Madagascar about
community life and the usage of marine resources in the area. From all the research, three of
the threats mentioned in the category 5.4 about fishing and harvesting aquatic resources in
the IUCN threat category are found in Velondriake, such as:
- Intentional mortality, sub-category 5.4.1 (human use - subsistence/small scale): the
community depend heavily on the marine resources. However, the use of destructing fishing
technique such as beach seine net and nets with small mesh sizes, poisoning the water and
coral turnover, create a big problem in the Velondriake area.
-Intentional mortality, sub-category 5.4.2 (human use - large scale): as a result of
industrial fishing practices in the Velondriake area.
-Incidental or accidental mortality, sub-category 5.4.3 (bycatch - subsistence/small scale):
this affects some important species for the marine ecosystems, such as turtle caught
accidently by shark fishing nets or juvenile sharks.
Apart from that, one further threat in the eleventh categories in the IUCN list affects the site
as well. This is climate change and severe weather. Extreme temperatures (sub-category
11.3) underwater have caused already several coral bleaching episodes and cyclones subcategory 11.4) have already damaged a number of important coral reef sites in Velondriake.
From ongoing research conducted by Blue ventures, which is not published yet, it is apparent
that many species actively fished in the region are found on the IUCN Red List, in particular
5 species of marine turtle and approximately 25 species of shark (a list of some of these
species is below). However, there are other species that have had severe local declines due to
overfishing but do not feature on the IUCN Red List. There are reported significant reduced
populations of Octopus cyanea (Blue octopus) (see picture 2) and Holothuria scabra
(Sandfish sea cucumber) (see picture 3) in the region
Chelonia mydas - Green turtle (Endangered)
Caretta caretta - Loggerhead turtle (Endangered)
Eretmochelys imbricata - Hawksbill turtle (Critically Endangered) (see picture 4)
Dermochelys coriacea - Leatherback turtle (Critically Endangered)
Lepidochelys olivacea - Olive Ridley turtle (Endangered)
Sphyrna lewini - Scalloped hammerhead (Lower Risk - Near Threatened)
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos - Grey reef shark (Lower Risk - Near Threatened)
Carcharhinus falciformis - Silky shark (Lower Risk - Least Concern) (see picture 5)
Carcharhinus limbatus - Black tip shark (Lower Risk - Near Threatened)
Rhynchobatus djiddensis - Giant guitarfish (Vulnerable)
Bolbometopon muricatum - Bumphead parrotfish (Vulnerable)
Picture 2- Octopus cyanea (Blue octopus)
Picture 3- Holothuria scabra (Sandfish sea cucumber
Picture 4- Eretmochelys imbricata - Hawksbill turtle
Picture 5-Carcharhinus falciformis - Silky shark
1.4. Conservation Issues
Biodiversity of Site
The Velondriake region is composed of a marine and terrestrial ecosystem
-Marine biodiversity
- Coral Reef
The coral reefs around Velondriake are some of the most remote and biologically
diverse reef systems on earth, supporting hundreds of tropical fish and coral species. The
coral reefs of the Velondriake region are part of the third largest continuous coral reef
system in the world, extending more than 300 km along Madagascar's southwest coast.
During a recent survey, scientists recorded 386 species of fish along the reefs of the
Andavadoaka region. Of these, 20 species had never before been recorded for Madagascar.
Scientists believe that further research may reveal as many as 529 fish species living among
these reefs.
The survey also recorded 164 species of hard corals. The foundation species for coral
reefs, the reef-building corals, are miniature relatives of the jellyfish, who live in vast
colonies, surrounding themselves with a protective skeleton of calcium carbonate and
grabbing plankton out of the water with their stringing tentacles. Together these
colonies can create massive reefs that serve as the home to a wide variety of fish and
invertebrates. There are 2 basic types of corals, the slow-growing massive corals and
the more delicate branching corals, which grow ten times faster, but fracture easily in
storms.
(http:// www.blueventures.org)
Picture 6 Coral reef in Velondriake
-Flora
Algae, seagrass and mangrove trees comprise the major flora of Madagascar's
southwest marine systems. Algae are primitive plants, which do not have true roots,
leaves or stems. An important reef-building alga is the red coralline algae, which
secretes a hard limestone skeleton that can cement dead coral together.
Seagrass, as the name suggests, looks like large blades of grass growing underwater
in sand near the shore. They produce flowers, fruits and seeds for reproduction.
Mangroves (picture 7) can live in salty soil or water, and are found in areas to the
north and south of the village of Andavadoaka.
http:// www.velondriakelivewiththesea.org)
Picture 7-Mangrove forest in Velondriake
-Fauna
Scientists have recorded more than 350 species of tropical fish living among the reefs
of Andavadoaka. More than 160 species of coral and 238 species of molluscs have also been
recorded in the area. As there has been relatively little scientific study in the Andavadoaka
region, scientists believe there are hundreds of other reef-dwelling species living in the area
that have yet to be discovered. A number of species recorded around Andavadoaka are not
found anywhere else in Madagascar including the large tooth cardinal fish, the black
blotched porcupinefish, the whitespotted guitar fish and the yellow spotted puffer. Other
species found in the Andavadoaka region include sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and migrating
Humpback whales.
http:// www.velondriakelivewiththesea.org)
Terrestrial biodiversity
-Fauna
The Andavadoaka region is home to a wide variety of strange and unique animals, including
a number of species found nowhere else on earth.
Three mammals are endemic to the region: the white-footed sportive lemur (Lepilemur
leucopus), Grandidier’s mongoose (Galidictis grandidieri) and the gray-brown mouse lemur
(Microcebus griseorufus), one of the world's tiniest primates. A variety of chameleons are
also unique
to
the
area.
About 30 species of tenrec live in Madagascar -- more than any other place on earth.
Tenrecs are an unusual species of small insectivores that can vary widely in color, size and
body cover. They are active mainly at night and hibernate for three to five months during the
cold season.
A variety of tenrec species make their home in the Andavadoaka region. The large-eared
tenrec (Geogale aurita) is a shrew-like creature measuring less than 100 mm. The lesser
hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) is covered in spines and curls into a spiky ball when
threatened.
Some species of chameleons also are found in the Andavadoaka region. With 59 species,
Madagascar has one of the largest and most diverse chameleon populations in the world.
Chameleons are known for their ability to change colour from brown to blue to red, black or
white. These changes occur in response to temperature, light and mood. Chameleons also use
colour to communicate, expressing such things as their willingness to mate.
Among the species that are endemic to the Andavadoaka region are Furcifer belalandaensis
and Furcifer antimena.
The two most populous species of tortoise found in the Andavadoaka region are the spider
tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) and the radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata).
Two iguanid species are endemic to the Andavadoaka region: the rock-dwelling Oplurus
saxicola, which can grow up to 20 cm long, and the Chalarodon madagascariensis which
can grow up to 40 cm in length. Both these species are part of the Oplurinae family and live
in subhumid to arid areas.
Two species of gecko (small lizards) live in the Andavadoaka region: Hemidactylus frenatus
and Paroedura Bastardi. They are active by day and have brightly coloured green, orange,
red or blue spots. They are well-known for their vocalizations (chirps) used to communicate
with other geckos.
There are 270 bird species in Madagascar, 109 of which are found no where else on earth. Of
these, there are five endemic families and 36 endemic genera, making Madagascar the hotspot for bird endemism in Africa. Some of the bird found in and around Andavadoaka are:
Corvus Albus (Pied Crow), Oena Capensis (Namaqua Dove), Acridotheres tristis (Common
Myna), Charadrius marginatus (White-fronted Plover), Numenius phaeopus (Whimbrel),
(Madagascar Bush Lark), Agaporuis cana (Grey-headed lovebird), Herops supercilious
(Madagascar bee eater), Cisticola cheviva (Madagascar cisticola), Egretta avdesiaca (Black
Heron).
http:// www.velondriakelivewiththesea.org)
-Flora
Spiny forests -- described by some as the "eighth wonder of the world" -- are the main
vegetative type in this ecoregion. An odd combination of desert and forest, spiny forests are
endemic to Madagascar's south west coastal areas, one of the only vegetative communities
able to survive the extreme arid climate of the region. Plants here can go without water for
more than a year. Spiny forests are comprised primarily of plants of the Didiereaceae family,
which look similar to some cactus, although they are not related. Plants in the Didiereaceae
family have bulbous trunks and small deciduous leaves which are protected by thorns and
spines that grow out of the plant's tangled branches. The "octopus tree" is one aptly named
plant in this family.
Other plants found in these forests are evergreen succulents, baobab trees and
endemic
orchids.
Baobab trees (picture 8) are one of Madagascar's most striking attractions due to their large
size and extremely unusual appearance. Resembling massive brown paper bags filled with
water, their bulbous trunks can grow up to 10 metres in diameter and up to 30 metres tall.
The sparse branches are located only
at the very top of the tree.
Boababs are extremely important to local communities. The bark is used to build huts and
make rope; their fruits and leaves, which are rich in calcium, are eaten; the seeds are crushed
to extract oil which is used to make soap; and the sap is used in manufacturing paper. The
hollow trunks of baobabs have served as homes, storage barns, places of refuge or worship,
prisons and tombs.
(http:// www.velondriakelivewiththesea.org)
Picture 8- Baobab forest in Velondriake
Conservation History
Working in partnership with the University of Toliara’s Institut Halieutique et des
Sciences Marines (IHSM), UK – based NGO Blue Ventures Conservation commenced
monitoring the region’s marine environment in 2003, with the establishment of a field
research station in the village of Andavadoaka.
Between October 2003 and October 2004 meetings were held with both female and male
fishers in Andavadoaka to discuss fisheries data, community perceptions of the state of
fisheries, and options for management. In October 2004 a Dina, or local law, was decided
upon by the village, agreeing to the closure of the reef flat around the sand cay of Nosy
Fasy, a 200ha barrier island located 7km offshore due West of the village, for a period of 7
months commencing November 1st, 2004. Since octopus is currently the most important
marine resource for the economy of the fishing communities in the region, accounting for
over 70% of marine produce purchased by commercial fisheries collectors in Andavadoaka
region (L'Haridon, 2006), this closure targeted especially octopus fisheries. Reef octopus,
such as Octopus cyanea - the main species found in southwest Madagascar - have a high
growth rate. Consequently, it was hypothesized that closing a reef flat for only a few months
would significantly increase the average size of octopus caught at that particular site once a
closed area was reopened, as well as increasing the catch per unit effort. This would also
protect brooding females and increase juvenile recruitment, ensuring a renewal of the
resource. A guardian was employed by the village fisheries cooperative to prevent poaching.
Building on the success of these marine no take zone launched in the remote fishing village
of Andavadoaka, Blue Ventures Conservation (BV), Madagascar’s Institute of Marine
Sciences (Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines – IHSM) and the Wildlife
Conservation Society (WCS) are now working with 25 neighboring villages, and fisheries
collection and export companies to develop a network of community - run marine and
coastal protected areas that will span more than 842 km2, aiming to benefit more than
10,000 people and protect coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and other threatened
habitats along Madagascar’s southwest coast. The villages, grouped into three constituent
geographic regions, have established a management committee which serves as a liaison
between conservation scientists and community members, providing input and insight into
all phases of conservation planning, from research activities to implementation of
management plans. The management committee also selected a unifying name for the
network: Velondriake, which means “to live with the Sea.” Along with protecting
biodiversity and livelihoods, the network is working to increase environmental awareness
among communities, expand local and national capacity for biodiversity conservation and
serve as a model for other community conservation, economic development, and
governance initiatives across Madagascar and elsewhere.
Previous Conservation Education Campaigns (CEC)
Blue Ventures has taken the role of providing environmental education in Velondriake.
Activities are mainly based in Andavadoaka village which is the centre of the Velondriake
site, but BV’s team often travel to provide workshops in other villages in the region.
Apart from the different education activities cited below, the Velondriake committees got
trained sometimes during workshop held by Blue ventures or WCS; and we always ask them
to spread out the training to their own villages.
Part of the capacity building that started in 2007 is the involvement of the local community
in the site monitoring work. We even have seven local community divers fully trained by
Blue ventures.
Apart from those carried out by Blue ventures, one important action in the Velondriake area
was made by the WCS Madagascar marine program around the site; this was the production
of a a movie about the Vezo life in the South West of Madagascar and the importance of the
marine ecosystem. At the same time, a song competition about the VCBMPA was organised
between all different villages.
The different means of environmental education were presented in a Blue Ventures Research
Report published in 2008 written by Karen Foerstel:
http://www.blueventures.org/downloads/bv-research-report-2008-environmentaleducation.pdf
-Capacity building
The people of Andavadoaka are working with conservationists, neighbouring villages,
government agencies, and others to develop and implement management plans that benefit
both communities and nature. Villages across southwest Madagascar are creating protected
areas, using sustainable fishing practices, and launching mariculture and eco-tourism
businesses to ensure that the marine resources they rely upon for survival will be healthy and
productive for generations to come. Andavadoaka recently launched it's first children's
environmental club and the charity Blue Ventures sponsors a scholarship program that trains
Malagasy students in marine conservation. These programs are helping educate a new
generation dedicated to protecting critical marine resources.
Guide Training
Members of the Andavadoaka community are training to become eco-tour guides. Tourism in
Andavadoaka is small but growing, and it provides locals with an alternative income to
destructive fishing practices. These eco-tour guides will lead snorkelling expeditions, boating
trips and birdwatching treks, while also educating visitors about Andavadoaka's unique
natural resources and the need to protect them. The guide training program is part of a larger
initiative to develop sustainable livelihoods in the Andavadoaka region.
Local schools
The conservation group Blue Ventures which works in Andavadoaka regularly brings
donated books and other supplies to the schools, and Blue Ventures volunteers teach English
to students. One volunteer recently launched a letter exchange program between Andavdoaka
school children and students at the Laguna Blanca school in Santa Barbara, California. The
Monterey Bay Aquarium in California also has donated eduational materials to
Andavadoaka.
International Conventions Signed by Madagascar
Madagascar is part of many international conventions about environment; these are all of
those treaties signed by the country
Environmental treaties of Madagascar
http://www.popplanet.org/PopPlanet/issue.cfm?countryid=1&iid=18
Date
Title
(29/11/69)
International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of
Oil Pollution Casualties
(29/11/69)
International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage
01/5/65
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil,1954,
as amended in 1962 and 1969
20-3-66
Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High
Seas
10/9/64
Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone
30/9/62
Convention on the High Seas
(23/5/69)
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
10/6/64
Convention on the Continental Shelf
15/3/65
(23/9/63)
Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and
under Water
18/11/75
(04/4/73)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES)
23/10/71
(15/9/68)
African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(23/6/79)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
26/5/65
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
19/10/83
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage
(11/1/80)
Protocol amending the International Convention Relating to the Limitation of
the Liability of Owners of Sea going Ships
31/5/68
International Convention relating to the Limitation of the Liability of Owners
of Sea going Ships
(25/2/83)
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(21/6/85)
Protocol concerning Protected Areas and Wild Fauna and Flora in the Eastern
African Region
(21/6/85)
Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine
and Coastal Environment of the Eastern African Region
(21/6/85)
Protocol concerning Co operation in Combating Marine Pollution in cases of
Emergency in the Eastern African Region
07/2/97
Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (Vienna Convention)
07/2/97
Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol)
04/7/96
(10/6/92)
Framework Convention on Climate Change
04/6/96
(08/6/92)>
Convention on Biological Diversity (Rio Conference)
Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and
Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas
28/7/96
Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982
07/6/96
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
23/3/76
(17/9/69)
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
14/10/62
Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
30/9/62
(10/8/62)
Optional Protocol of Signature concerning the Compulsory Settlement of
Disputes
03/1/76
(14/4/70)
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
03/5/76
Agreement establishing the African Development Bank
27/7/62
Convention on Road Traffic
17/9/69
International Agreement for the Creation of an International Office for dealing
with Contagious Diseases of Animals at Paris
02/8/67
Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or
Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare
25/9/63
(25/9/63)
Agreement of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
22/8/68
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and
Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies
08/10/70
(22/8/68)
Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
11/2/69
(25/6/68)
Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the
Return of Objects launched into Outer Space
(14/9/71)
Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and other
Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Sea Bed and the Ocean Floor and in the
Subsoil thereof
(13/10/72)
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling
of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction
10/11/60
(10/11/60)
Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
01/11/60
Constitution of the International Labour Organisation
22/3/65
Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency
14/5/62
Convention on International Civil Aviation Annex 16 Aircraft Noise
14/1/61
Convention of the World Meteorological Organization
20/9/60
Charter of the United Nations
08-MAR61
Convention on the International Maritime Organization
23/10/58
International Convention on Certain Rules concerning Civil Jurisdiction in
Matters of Collision
16/1/61
(16/1/61)
Constitution of the World Health Organization<
09/11/61
Constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
25/9/63
Articles of Agreement of the International Development Association
25/9/63
(25/9/63)
Agreement of the International Monetary Fund
13/9/63
Charter of the Organization of African Unity
Convention on the Liability of Operators of Nuclear Ships
25/6/60
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
03/9/63
Statutes of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and
Restoration of Cultural Property
(31/3/78)
Convention of the Carriage of Goods by Sea
(08/12/84)
Third ACP EEC Convention
08/11/92
(13/10/78)
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and relating
to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I)
08/11/92
(13/10/78)
Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions relating to the Protection of
Victims of Non International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II)
13/4/87
Amendment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (art.XI)
(15/12/89)
Fourth ACP EEC Convention
(03/6/91)
Treaty establishing the African Economic Community
(15/1/93)
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and
Use of Chemical Weapons and their Destruction
21/6/85
(13/12/79)
Constitution of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization
26/12/96
(14/10/94)
International Convention to combat Desertification in those Countries
Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa
27/3/96
Agreement for the Establishment of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
Conservation Legislation
In 2002, the Malagasy Policy for Sustainable Development of Marine and Coastal Zones
(PSDMCZ) was drafted as legal framework for the management of coastal zones. ICZM
(Integrated Coastal Zone Management) has been identified as one of the tools for
implementing the PSDMCZ. ICZM is important because it recognizes the need for local
coastal communities to have access to marine and coastal resources (Lalaina and Tanner
2006).
Following this policy, legislation in the Velondriake community is completely based on the
local law (Dina) introduced previously. Dina is made by the local community and enforced
by them. Six years before the 2002 Malagasy policy, the law 96 025, mentioned in the land
tenure section, cites that a community can implement their proper code to regulate the
relationship amongst themselves concerning the management of their natural resources.
However, it is applicable only at local level. The study done by Lalaina and Tanner in 2006
about Community-based governance of coastal zones and marine resources in Madagascar
give more clarification about the implementation of the Dina as a affective management tool.
There are three types of Dina in Madagascar. The Dina used by Velondriake is the third type
which needs legislation authority approval to be applied effectively. The objective of this is
to avoid contradiction with the legal laws already put in place. In the case of Velondriake, the
South West of Madagascar has already a legislation about fisheries and marine resources
which is also applicable in Velondriake site. So, the aim of the Dina here is to complete this
national legislation and to make the management of the marine resource more effective by
involving the community.
But, the national legislation about traditional fisheries is still applied and enforced in the
Area.
Level of Tourism
Research on tourist numbers in Andavadoaka is limited. There are no real hotels in the
village, although there are some epi-bars that have rooms available. There are however some
hotels around Andavadoaka, including Coco Beach (just outside the village), Manga Lodge
in Antserananangy (two bays further south) and Laguna Blu in Ampasilava (one bay further
south again). The latter two cater primarily to French and Italian tourists, but figures for
occupancy or occupant profile are not available. Neither are figures available for the local
epi-bars, although the vast majority of visitors are local (Malagasy) rather than foreign. Blue
Ventures permanent presence in Coco Beach is now responsible for the majority of the
tourism within the region, accounting for equivalent 7,5000 tourist nights per year in 2008
(Epps, 2008).
1.5 Protected Area Management
Velondriake is managed by the local community but different partners are involved with
supporting Velondriake in terms of scientific and technical knowledge by providing training
and capacity building, as well as funding. Blue ventures, based in Andavadoaka, is the
principal partner followed by WCS who are specialists in Marine Protected Area
management, the Marine Institute (IHSM) from Toliara and fisheries company Copefrito.
The Velondriake (central committee management) and Vondrona (regional committee
management) committees’ status was formalized at a series of meetings in Andavadoaka
between 16th and 18th October 2006 with the election of committee members, approval of the
Velondriake Dina (local law), and development of a preliminary action and management
plan for the protected area network .
The overall aim of the Velondriake Dina and
management plan is to promote efficient and long-term sustainable management of the
region’s marine and coastal resources. Within this objective a number of strategic goals have
been identified. These include promotion of fisheries and economic development, nature
conservation and solidarity between communities, and development of environmental
education and ecotourism initiatives throughout the Velondriake region. Still, to achieve
those objectives, the implementation of the Pride Campaign will be an important piece of the
puzzle to ensure success.
At the moment, the proposed Velondriake management envelope containing all individual
proposed protected and managed habitats equals 823 km2 in size, covering over 40 km of
coast. Within this area, 20.06 km2 (2.44 % of the total management area) comprise specific
protected or special management areas. Of this, 12.56 km2 (approximately 15.61 % of the
total 80.47 km2 of reef flat located within the management envelope) constitute proposed
seasonal NTZs for octopus fishing; 3.75 km2 constitute proposed permanent coral reef
marine protected areas; 2.67 km2 constitute proposed permanent mangrove protected areas;
0.55 km2 constitute proposed permanent terrestrial forest protected areas; and 0.23 km2 and
0.27 km2 constitute proposed special management areas for marine aquaculture and
ecotourism development respectively (Harris 2007).
The management plan focuses on empowering local communities as managers of their own
marine resources, and developing local capacity to contribute to the development of
sustainable marine resource management systems to support local culture and livelihoods.
For that, following this management plan of Velondriake, the involvement of the community
in the Campaign will facilitate the achievement of the different strategy that will be used.
NB: (Velondriake Dina and management plan can be provide in English version)
2. Project Team and Key Stakeholders
Lead Agency and Pride Campaign Manager
Blue Ventures Conservation is a small international (UK based) conservation NGO (Non
Governmental Organisation) that has been working in the village of Andavadoaka in
Southwest Madagascar since 2003. Blue Ventures (BV) aims to protect the region’s coral
reefs, biological diversity, sustainability and productivity, while improving the quality of life
of the local community, which depends almost entirely on the region’s marine resources for
subsistence and income.
Blue Ventures is actively involved in working at a local level to protect some of the region’s
most precious and vulnerable marine habitats. It is continuously expanding and diversifying
its work program to encompass a broad range of research, capacity building and
environmental education activities to help sustain the local community’s traditional artisanal
fishing economy and minimize anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems. Blue Ventures
channels its funds and efforts directly into conservation projects on the ground, keeping
administrative costs at a minimum.
Blue Ventures depends entirely on support from private donors, volunteers, research grants
and fundraising initiatives to sustain its work alongside local project partners. Productive
partnerships have enabled the pooling of resources, talents and experiences from a range of
national and international organizations, providing a wealth of technical expertise to assist in
the successful development of research initiatives.
The campaign manager, Fanomezantsoa Gildas Andriamalala, has been working with Blue
Ventures in the role of socioeconomic research coordinator as part of the Velondriake
Community based Managed Protected Area development process since 2006.
Since then he has been trained in the Seychelles as part of the regional CORDIO SocMon
(socioeconomic monitoring) ‘training of trainers’ programme for socioeconomic research,
and he was responsible for conducting ongoing social surveys of 25 villages involved in the
Velondriake marine protected area programme.
He has a law degree from the University of Toliara (Madagascar) and has been working on
the legal aspects of both the establishment of the Velondriake MPA and the land acquisition
issues relating to the Andavadoaka community Ecolodge project.
In October 2007, he attended the 5th annual WIOMSA conference in Durban, South Africa.
He presented an overview of his findings from the Socmon research within Velondriake to
other members of the regional conservation network. This was a big opportunity for
Velondriake and the community issue and effort in the ground to be shown at international
level. Then in 2008 he attended the CBD (Conference on Biological Diversity) in Bonn,
Germany, on behalf of the Community of Andavadoaka region for the United Nation
Development Program Equator Initiative. That was the first time he has heard about RARE
Pride Campaign which gave the idea to apply for it and work on it at the moment.
Other Groups Working at Your Campaign Site
To achieve this campaign, those organizations mentioned below will be the potential partners
used to facilitate the implementation of the campaign. All parties share the common goal of
conserving marine resources within the region. Some organizations will be essential as
barrier removal partners.
-Velondriake Management Committees
-WCS Madagascar, marine program and the first partner of Blue ventures for the
implementation of Velondriake
-WWF Madagascar, for their new interest in the region and potential partner for
providing funding for barrier removal.
-Regional Fisheries department, for their expertise in law enforcement and will constitute
one of the government partners.
- Small Grants Program (SGP) UNDP, as a partner for barrier removal; this organization
focused on financing local community effort to protect the environment.
- PROGECO, which have the same aims as SGP and also, are financing one ongoing
alternative livelihood project in Velondriake.
Bibliography
Andriamalala, G. (2008) Evaluation socio-économique de base de l’AMP Velondriake, sudouest de Madagascar. Blue Ventures Conservation Report.
Astuti, R. (1995) People of the Sea. Cambridge University Press, Cambrigde.
Blue ventures report, Towards Velondriake “To live with the sea”: development of Southern
Madagascar’s first network of marine and coastal protected areas, Blue Ventures
Conservation, UK, unpublished.
Cooke, A., Ratomahenina O. and Ranaivosoin E. 2000 Madagascar. In: Seasat the
Millenium. C.R.C. Sheppard (eds.), pp 113-131. Elsevier Science Press
Décret n° 2005- 848 appliquant les articles 2 alinéa 2, 4, 17, 20 et 28 de la loi n°2001/00
portant Code de gestion des aires protegees
Document technique de SAPM 2005.
Gabrié, C., Vasseur, P., Randriamiarana, H., Maharavo, J. and Mara, E. 2000.
The coral reefs of Madagascar. In: Coral Reefs of the Indian Ocean, T. R.McClanahan, ,
Sheppard, C. & Obura, D. (Eds.) Oxford University Press, New York: 411-444
Harris.A, To live with the Sea” Development of the Velondriake Community - Managed
Protected Area Network,Southwest Madagascar, Madagascar conservation &development
volume2/issue1-December 2007 pp43-49
K, Foerstel, 2008, Environmental Education in Andavadoaka, Madagascar: Building
Community Support and Capacity for Conservation, Blue Ventures Conservation Report
La Politique du De´veloppement Durable des Zones Marines et Coˆ tie`res a` Madagascar,
2002
Langley, J. (2006). Connaissance Vezo : Connaissance Ecologique Traditionnelles a
Andavadoaka, Sud Ouest de Madagascar. Blue Ventures Conservation report. Disponible
dans research@blueventures.org.
Langley, J., Harris, A & Nihalani, N (2006) The 2004 census of Andavdoaka, southwest
Madagascar. Blue Ventures Conservation report. Available at research@blueventures.org
.
Laroche, J., Razanoelisoa, J., Faroux, E., and Rabenevanana, M.W. 1997. The reef fisheries
surrounding the south-west coastal cities of Madagascar. Fisheries management and
ecology, 4, 285-99.
L’Haridon, L. 2006. Evolution de la collecte de poulpe sur la côte Sud Ouest de
Madagascar: elements de réflexion pour une meilleure gestion des resources. Blue Ventures
Conservation, London. 46 pages.
Loi 96 025 du 10 Septembre 1996 portant gestion communautaire des resources naturelles
renouvelables.
L.R. Rakotoson, K. Tanner (2006) , Community-based governance of coastal zone and
marine resources in Madagascar Ocean & Coastal Management 49 (2006) 855–872
Minna Epps (2008). A socioeconomic Baseline Assessment Implementing the
socioeconomicmonitoring guideline in South Ouest of Madagascar. Blue Ventures
Conservation report. available at research@blueventures.org
The IUCN threatened species 2008
Threat classification scheme (version 3.0) IUCN
IUCN (1994). Guidelines for Protected Areas Management Categories. IUCN, Cambridge,
UK and Gland, Switzerland. 261pp.
WCS 2006, diagnostic de participation participative de l’aire marine protégée Velondriake
Web search:
- http:// www.livewiththesea.org
-
http:// www.blueventures.org
-
http:// www.google.com for google Earth coordinates
- http:// www.wiomweb.org for pictures