MASOAVA Joel Arnaud - Defender of coral reefs

Joel Arnaud Masoava is a passionate marine biologist who earned his bachelor’s degree in 2017. After his studies, he broadened his skills by undertaking training in marine conservation and development in Madagascar and the Seychelles through the CEPF program. He then worked as a research and development technician for the company Ocean Farmers, where he was responsible for research, implementation, and monitoring of coral farming activities, as well as socioeconomic development and the introduction of new local strains of Cottonii algae. In parallel, Joel served as a research assistant on several projects, including the restoration of seagrass beds in Ranobe Bay and the development of community-based coral farming. Continuing his academic journey, he pursued a Master’s degree in Marine and Fisheries Sciences, with a research project focused on reef restoration for ecological and tourism purposes. In 2021, building on the positive results of his research, he founded the NGO Toliara Eco Restoration (TER), which works on the participatory restoration of coral reefs in the Ranobe Bay Marine Protected Area. This initiative mobilizes local communities, visitors, and schoolchildren in coral transplantation projects. TER also aims to promote research on the management and conservation of marine ecosystems, while strengthening the resilience of coastal communities. Joel is particularly proud to have presented one of his initiatives at the V.ECOP Days (Early Career Ocean Professional) conference for the Asian region in April 2024. His presentation, entitled “Local Communities Reef Restoration,” highlighted the importance of involving local communities and volunteers in coral reef restoration projects in Madagascar.