EN 
FR The Protectors Are In Danger
The friend of whales
FMTF Anakao - South-West Region
How The Vezo Tribe Are Protecting Their Protectors
Accessible by traditional pirogue or motorboat, the village of Anakao is located to the south of Toliara by about 40 kilometers. It is home to the Vezo, a traditional fishing community. Fishing is what they do best. They get their food from the ocean. They take care of the ocean and its creatures. In return, the marine animals protect them. But with the animals in danger, the Vezo people are stepping up to defend them.
It Started With A Fisherman
Lahiniriko stopped school in 1989 and became a fisherman like his father. Since then, he always wanted to protect the ocean where he fishes. There was no association back then, but he did what he could to protect the sea. He had some education, so he convinced and taught other fishermen to be ocean defenders because most fishermen did not go to school. He also loves protecting the environment. He teaches about pollution, not throwing plastic and other marine protection rules. After that, he started working to protect Nosy Ve, an island in Anakao. He was responsible for keeping the island safe.
In 2002, people illegally caught a whale. Lahiniriko felt very sad and heartbroken. He and Mrs. Monica, a foreigner who loves and protects animals, did not wait long. They convinced the people who caught it to set it free. Lahiniriko also fought against illegal fishing. He went to the ministries and legal authorities. Even though it was hard, he did what he needed to because he loved the marine animals. All the work Lahiniriko did did not go unnoticed by the Vezo community.
When asked about something Lahiniriko can't forget, he said that when he talked and convinced the community, they told him: "Even if there is no association to protect marine animals, we are ready to defend them. We are with you because we believe in this." He feels happy and honored that his work has positively impacted the community, and they are joining him to protect these animals for the benefit of Anakao.
Lahiniriko says a protector of the ocean wants to help, is willing, and does not want marine life to disappear. If he could be an animal, he would be a whale—a gigantic animal, intimidating but gentle and not dangerous.
The Protectors Are In Danger
People kill dolphins, mainly in Anakao. The WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) did research on marine mammals there in 2001. In 2005, about 100 dolphins were found dead in one day. It was sad and shocking. The WCS saw this, so they decided to create a workshop there. In 2007, they hosted a workshop to teach why it's crucial to protect dolphins. The Vezo tribe believes dolphins are their protectors. It's not just a legend from their ancestors; they've seen it happen. If there's an accident, dolphins are the first to help. In Anakao, there's proof. Once, a fisherman traveled from Toliara to Anakao on his traditional pirogue. Suddenly, his pirogue broke, and he was in danger. A motorboat passing by heard the dolphin's signals. They couldn't see anything, the fisherman was about 200 meters away.
Luckily, the dolphin's signals guided the motorboat to him, resolving the stressful situation. Since then, that fisherman has never eaten dolphins again. Dolphins also protect Vezo fishermen from dangerous animals. A professional diver and treasurer from FMTF witnessed it when they nearly got attacked.
On March 28, 2008, they created FMTF (Fikambana Miaro ny Trozo sy Fesotse). Lahiniriko saw an opportunity and decided to run for president of the association. He loves protecting marine animals and the whole ecosystem. He was elected successfully. He felt happy because he had strong beliefs. He wanted to protect the ocean and lead others to do the same. His work continues to this day. FMTF now has 80 members.
They saw the example of Sainte Marie Island, famous for its whale festival, attracting about 6200 tourists. Sainte Marie has whales for only three months, while Anakao has whales and dolphins for six months. They convinced the community to protect those mammals. In one year, they saw more tourists come to see whales and dolphins. The whales also brought more fish.
It Doesn't Stop There
When FMTF got funded in 2008, WCS worked with them. They parted in 2014, but FMTF didn’t see it as a failure. Even without a partner, they kept working. They needed funding and got it from Fanahinga in 2020 and SGP in 2021. Now, they are asking Fanahinga for more funding. In 2012, they got funds from WCS and bought life jackets, a motor, and a boat. They held meetings and used them to make money for new equipment. If they get funds, they can do more, but if not, the association does their best with what they have.
Marine animals provide for the Vezo. The ocean is their bank. Without it, they can't eat or make money. If people destroy the sea, they also ruin the life of the Vezo community. So, protecting it is a priority. Youth, adults, and everyone should protect our ocean. Lahiniriko said, "People need side jobs, so they don't rely only on the ocean." This way, they won't destroy the ecosystem or the coral reefs. The association gives the community fishing nets to catch fish without harming the coral reefs. They also reinforce the "Dina." The dina is a traditional and community-based regulation for managing natural resources effectively. The tribunal approved the FMTF's Dina on October 15, 2011.
Lahiniriko asks funders to show their work to the world because no one knows they protect the ocean. They have done it even before 2008, but no one knows, not nationally or internationally. They are the only fishermen association in Madagascar dedicated to protecting marine mammals. He also asks NGOs to protect them because they have no one else. Even though they do all they can, they need technical and financial partners to help them improve their skills.
Lahiniriko has done a lot to protect marine animals. He didn't do it alone. He led the whole community even before creating FMTF. After they formed the association, they got funding to do bigger things. But it’s not enough. They are looking for more funds and NGOs to protect them. With your help, this is possible. Don't wait any longer. Join those who help preserve marine animals. Donate money or equipment and make a real difference today.
- Antananarivo, Madagascar
- +261 38 82 548 67
- communication@natioradefenders.org
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