A decade and a half of learning from Madagascar's first locally managed marine area

Abstract

While the participatory management of small scale fisheries has been widely promoted, we have limited understanding of the factors influencing its effectiveness. Here, we highlight lessons learnt from the implementation of Madagascar's first locally managed marine area (LMMA), drawing on our insights and experiences as staff of a comanaging nongovernmental organization (NGO). We describe the LMMA's context and history, and highlight aspects of our approach that we feel underpin its outcomes, including: (a) comanagement rather than communitymanagement; (b) the permanent field presence of a supporting NGO; (c) a management focus on locally important natural resources; (d) the implementation of poverty alleviation initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to management; (e) decision-making by resource users rather than scientists; (f) a diversified, entrepreneurial funding model; and (g) an emphasis on monitoring and adaptive management. We also highlight several challenges, including: (a) the inability to influence fishery supply chains; (b) promoting participation and good governance; (c) promoting rule application; (d) standing up to outsiders; (e) promoting environmental management in the long term; and (f) maintaining funding. Our experiences suggest that small scale fishers can be effective natural resource managers in low-income contexts, but may need extended support from outsiders; however, the role of supporting NGO is nuanced and complex.

The importance of future generations and conflict management in conservation

“…The population is increasing rapidly, particularly along the coast where many are reliant upon the sea for food security and incomes (Le Manach et al, 2012). Pressure on marine resources led to the establishment of Madagascar's first LMMA in Velondriake, in the south‐west, and LMMAs are now established nation‐wide (Gardner et al, 2020). LMMAs in Madagascar are agreements within or between villages to sustainably manage shared traditional fishing grounds and include an associated management plan, management body, and defined marine area (MIHARI, 2015).…”

Fostering local involvement for biodiversity conservation in tropical regions: Lessons from Madagascar during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Local communities can lead the management of natural resources and are more receptive to protected areas if they are organized, for example, in the form of local associations referred to as “Vondron’Olona eny Ifotony or VOI” in Malagasy (Andrade & Rhodes, 2012; Toillier et al, 2008). The management transfer of natural resources to local communities has proven successful, especially when it generates revenues such as those in Analamazaotra in eastern Madagascar and in marine protected areas across the western region (Dolch et al, 2015; Gardner et al, 2020).…”

An assessment of the roles of tenure and inclusion in conflict mediation at Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico

“…CPNP was selected as a case study due to its uniqueness with regard to marine tenure. Other attempts at community-managed ocean like in Tanzania (Rocliffe et al, 2014), Madagascar (Gardner et al, 2020) or Fiji (Newell et al, 2019) are separated by multiple levels of government and can more easily be subject to top-down intervention. Though mechanisms in these regions like locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) are legally recognized, they are often left to the available resources of communities and affiliated partners without adequate federal statutory protections or guarantees against grabbing or eventual exercise of eminent domain.…”