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Davidson College

Publication Date

Spring 2023

Program Name

Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management

Abstract

Madagascar’s mangrove forests are intertidal ecosystems that provide numerous valuable ecosystem services but are nonetheless under pressure from large amounts of deforestation. On the southwestern coast of Madagascar, the village of Ambondrolava practices community led management of the mangrove and its resources. This research project studied the evolution of the mangrove area using GIS data, and investigated, through interviews, the relationship between the local community of Ambondrolava and the organizations that manage the mangrove ecosystem. From 2000 to 2018, the zone of the mangrove has experienced a net loss in area every year, despite reforestation efforts. Most community members interviewed expressed the importance of the mangrove forest and therefore its conservation, as well as benefits gained from the two management organizations, VOI Mamelo Honko and Reef Doctor Honko Project. However, participants also expressed discontent with the dishonesty and unreliability of the VOI leaders. To ensure the success of the conserving the mangrove, these issues of trust and transparency must be addressed, and alternative sources of income and food should be instituted to reduce anthropological pressure on the mangrove and improve community livelihood.

Disciplines

African Studies | Biodiversity | Biostatistics | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Forest Biology | Spatial Science

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