EN 
FR PATRICIA RASOA
THE WARRIOR OF THE TIDES
VOI Fia tsara - Fénérive-Est, Analanjirofo Region
PATRICIA RASOA – THE WARRIOR OF THE TIDES
“As long as I’m alive, I’ll keep protecting the ocean and everything in it. I’ll keep fighting against those who destroy the Ocean.”
That’s what Patricia confidently said. She is a brave woman devoted to the ocean for over 5 years now. She genuinely deserves the nickname “warrior of the tides”, due to her braveness and devotion towards seashore’s protection, even if she has to put herself in danger. Her commitment is so deep that she’s vowed to defend the ocean and its shores, even if it costs her life. She is actively involved in two conservation organizations, including Fia Tsara II, where she serves as President. She often shares with pride how she fell in love with the ocean back in 1986 and has been tirelessly working to protect it ever since. Patricia explains that Fia Tsara II does its best to clean and protect the ocean and everything around it. However, the 35 members of the association are not enough to do all the work, so they also raise awareness of cleaning and keeping clean.
We asked Patricia to share the most challenging aspect of being an ocean defender. She said:
“The work becomes incredibly challenging during cyclone season. We clean the beaches, but no matter how thorough our efforts are, a second or even third cyclone often follows, leaving everything just as dirty as before.”
In addition, Patricia shared a particularly interesting anecdote about her status as an "ocean defender”:
“In 2016, I was interviewed about my role as President of the association. Right after the interview aired on TV, a man threatened to burn down my house, and two days later, he actually did. He was likely one of those marine Lawbreakers who wasn't happy with our work as ocean defenders. It shook me deeply, of course, but I refused to let it get to me. I reminded myself that this small incident wouldn't make me abandon the ocean. As long as I’m alive, I’ll keep protecting the ocean and everything in it. I’ll keep fighting against those who destroy the Ocean. If the ocean were healthier, fishing alone would be enough to sustain us. But today, because of what the lawbreakers are doing to the ocean, fishing alone is no longer enough for our survival. Now it must be supplemented with other income-generating activities. Here in Fénérive-Est, it's often combined with agriculture and livestock farming."
Patricia added:
“While the ocean is our primary source of livelihood, our motivation runs deeper than that. We do it for our children, for the generations yet to come. We're not just focused on the present—we're laying the groundwork for the future of our descendants.”
It's clear that the Ocean Defenders are working for a very noble cause. However, despite their efforts, they remain largely unknown and, as a result, don't receive the support needed to carry out their work under the best possible conditions. Patricia didn't hesitate to outline what they need to make their work safer and more widely recognized.
“We've repeatedly asked the state for help, but our pleas have gone unanswered. It feels like our existence holds no value in their eyes simply because we're small-scale fishermen. No matter how often we voice our concerns, we're ignored. I just can't understand why our work seems to matter so little to them. Once we're recognized, the support will come pouring in. But for that to happen, the government needs to take notice and acknowledge the value of our work. We need authorities we can turn to for support; without that, nothing will work.”
Patricia was brave enough to state their needs as ocean defenders. She also mentioned the need for capacity building through expert training, so she could, in turn, train others. She sent her son abroad to study sea products transformation and she wishes that such opportunities exist where she lives. As a fisherwoman, she sells the products she catches, but she needs some expertise to transform them so that they can last longer and be sold at higher price.
To close the discussion with her, she was kindly invited to give a message to anyone in the world. She proudly addressed one to women:
“We often hear that women are not made for this or that type of job. I strongly disagree with that. Women, if you want to do something, just do it, be brave and bold.”
- Antananarivo, Madagascar
- +261 38 82 548 67
- communication@natioradefenders.org
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