Nature conservation is driven by passionate individuals who understand better than anyone the dangers of unsustainable and destructive human activities. When these individuals are recognized and supported, their efforts can transform local practices and mindsets and build a sustainable future for all.
Natiora Defenders, a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in early 2024, promotes and highlights the work of conservationists and heroes in Madagascar. In May 2024, the first Ocean Defenders cohort was announced. This cohort, comprised of seven men and three women, was named Akio Foty – Great White Shark – in tribute to their tireless and fearless defense of the oceans.
The Ocean Defenders (Akio Foty) were selected by a jury of environmental experts, including Natiora Defenders, the MIHARI network (a network of locally managed marine areas), the NGO Beolobe (a community conservation platform in Madagascar), and other members of civil society. These three partner organizations jointly support the Ocean Defenders through training, advocacy, and technical assistance.
All Ocean Defenders come from communities where fishing is essential to their livelihoods and food security. Most are fishers themselves or come from fishing families, giving them a deep understanding of fishing practices and issues in their respective regions. The Akio Foty were chosen for their unwavering commitment to fighting overfishing, illegal fishing gear, mangrove deforestation, and other activities that harm the marine ecosystem. They understand that these activities will ultimately lead to declining fish stocks and impoverishment for their communities.
Introducing Akio Foty – Defenders of the Oceans 2024
Akio Foty members come from all regions of Madagascar and work on multiple aspects of marine conservation. Two of them, Roger Samba and Mosesy Jean, have played a key role in establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) within their communities, which define and enforce rules regarding fishing in local waters. Similarly, Soafiavy Daniel has helped his village and other neighboring villages establish permanent no-fishing reserves (locally called Tsimaharitra) in areas critical to the reproduction of certain marine species. Establishing MPAs and Tsimaharitra reserves requires time and effort, as the entire community must be made aware of the need for marine conservation and adhere to the rules and penalties for violations.
Two women from the Akio Foty cohort – Marie Clarisse Rahanitra Nirina and Nirinasoa Patricia
The Randrianantenaina are particularly concerned about the mangroves that border their villages. These forests of semi-submerged trees grow along the coastline. They prevent coastal erosion, mitigate the impact of hurricanes and storms, and provide habitat for numerous animal and plant species. These courageous women oppose those who want to destroy the mangroves and raise awareness within their communities about the importance of these coastal forests. Patricia Rasoa Tsiady is the third Ocean Defender; she uses her influence within her community to clean up her village’s coastline and fight against illegal fishing.
Illegal fishing practices and gear pose a major threat that all members of Akio Foty are working to prevent. Alexandre, Pierson Voatahy, and Gamal Ahmed Mouktar are active fishermen who seek to encourage their colleagues to respect regulations and practice sustainable fishing. These informed fishermen know that unsustainable practices will inevitably lead to the loss of all fishermen’s livelihoods, both now and in the future. They actively patrol the fishing areas in their local waters to identify individuals using illegal fishing gear and report them to the authorities.
Lahiniriko Yalaude Jean René is a fisherman who has a true passion for whales and dolphins, a passion born after saving a whale from an illegal net in 2002. Since then, he has created an association to protect whales and dolphins from illegal fishing, while boosting tourism linked to these iconic marine species.
The Akio Foty face numerous threats and challenges
Being an ocean defender is not easy. Some don’t understand the need to change their fishing practices, while those who illegally exploit these resources can be dangerous when confronted. Nearly all the Akio Foty have received threats against their lives and the lives of their families, and some have even had their homes burned down. The support and recognition they receive from local authorities are limited, making them particularly vulnerable to these crimes.
Although the commitment of these men and women is unwavering and undeniable, their effectiveness is hampered by a lack of basic equipment and resources. Motorboats, cameras, binoculars, and computers for writing reports and communicating their work to the outside world are among their top requests.
The poor condition of the roads and the great distances between the villages where the Ocean Defenders live create a feeling of isolation, exacerbated by the lack of external support from government authorities, NGOs, and international donors. Many of them felt they were fighting alone to defend the ocean, even though its protection benefits the entire world.
Solidarity with the defenders
The Natiora Defenders association and its partners aim to change the game, starting with the official recognition of the Akio Foty. Through its website and social media pages (Facebook and LinkedIn), Natiora Defenders shares the story of each ocean defender with an international audience.
On the ground, they have brought together Akio Foty members for National Ocean Defenders Forums organized in different regions of the country. The fifth National Forum of the MIHARI network, which connects all of Madagascar’s marine protected areas, was held this year in Majunga, Madagascar, on September 23, 2024. The first cohort of Ocean Defenders had the opportunity to participate in this forum, where they were able to voice their needs and challenges to government officials and NGOs.
Following advocacy training and an introduction to fisheries laws and regulations shared with Ocean Defenders, many members of this group are now using their legal knowledge and understanding of how these laws are (or are not) implemented in their regions to recommend changes to legislation, policies, and enforcement to the relevant authorities.
While threats to the marine ecosystem continue to pose a challenge for the Akio Foty, this year of sustained support will allow them to know they are not alone. This will undoubtedly instill renewed energy and motivation in them to pursue their vital mission, despite opposition from those engaged in illegal activities. Going forward, they will leverage their official recognition as Akio Foty, their new connections with the government and donors, and the recently completed training to better protect the ocean surrounding their island nation.
To learn more about Ocean Defenders and how you can help, visit https://natioradefenders.org/en/ocean-defenders/ by Natiora Defenders61ce70
This article was originally written for the Southern Africa Community Leaders Network: https://www.communityleadersnetwork.org/
