Overview

The Velondriake MPA network seeks to protect biodiversity and livelihoods, and increase environmental awareness among communities. Velondriake serves as a model to other communities for conservation, economic development, and governance and management initiatives.

The Velondriake marine protected area (MPA) spans 800-square km along the southwest coast of Madagascar. Named ‘Velondriake’, for the Malagasy “to live with the sea”, the MPA benefits more than 10,000 people and protects coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, baobab forests and other threatened habitats.

Local communities worked with partner organization Blue Ventures to define the borders of Velondriake and identify which specific habitats to protect. Community members are being trained in conservation planning and management skills, and have established a committee that oversees the implementation, management and monitoring of the MPA.