Project Oratsimba

Since July last year, lobster fishing communities in the Anosy region have made significant progress toward sustainable marine resource management under Project Oratsimba. Lobster fishing remains a main source of income, yet stocks have declined in recent decades due to population growth, export market demand, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices. The project is supporting fishers to implement adaptive locally managed marine areas by strengthening community led governance structures and promoting more resilient livelihood options.

Governance and enforcement capacity of Marine Management Committees in Sainte Luce and Elodrato improved through targeted training on roles, responsibilities, and dina rules. Members demonstrated stronger understanding of patrol planning, reporting, and transparent decision making, with surveys confirming solid knowledge of lobster protection measures. Some gaps remain in financial oversight, fine processing, and inclusive governance.

Transparent elections and community awareness activities strengthened accountability and trust. High participation and positive feedback reflected confidence in the fairness of the process and in newly elected leaders, who are now more proactive in enforcement discussions and seasonal planning.

Financial management workshops provided practical tools for budgeting, record keeping, and planning at committee and household level. The introduction of community auditors and structured reporting improved accountability and confidence in the management of community funds.

Participatory mapping in Ambanihazo enabled fishers to document key fishing sites, identify areas under pressure, and record ecological knowledge such as reproductive cycles and seasonal trends. This evidence is guiding decisions on closures, patrol priorities, and engagement with stakeholders.

Cross visits and gender analysis highlighted barriers and opportunities for women’s participation in fisheries governance and livelihoods.

Overall, the project has laid a strong foundation for locally managed marine areas through participatory planning, proposed seasonal closures, and development of local regulations. Despite logistical challenges and competing livelihood demands, adaptive planning and strong community engagement have sustained progress toward locally led and sustainable marine management. We sincerely thank our donors for their continued support in making this progress possible.

The Oratsimba project continues to make significant progress in promoting sustainable marine management across southeast Madagascar. Through the establishment of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), strengthening of Marine Management Committees (MMCs), and enforcement of dina (community fisheries rules), the project is empowering coastal communities in Sainte Luce, Ambanihazo, and Elodrato to take active roles in the stewardship of their marine resources.

In Sainte Luce, the project has supported the successful election of a new MMC, with nine new members elected out of 15, including three women; tripling female representation. The committee held its first official meetings to discuss community priorities, lobster management, and dina enforcement. Refresher training sessions have strengthened governance, record-keeping, and inter-village communication, while a newly appointed financial auditor has begun reviewing savings and expenditures to ensure transparency. Patrols have actively enforced community rules, issuing fines where necessary and maintaining proper records, demonstrating accountability and fairness. Financially, savings groups in Sainte Luce saved 404,000 MGA (£69.50) in May, contributing to a total of 815,000 MGA (£140) across Sainte Luce and Elodrato for the quarter.

In Ambanihazo, Oratsimba has continued preparations for LMMA expansion. A peer exchange visit in July saw women from Sainte Luce share their experiences in community management, inspiring others to participate. Follow-up surveys showed increased confidence and engagement among women in decision-making, contributing to more equitable governance around issues such as resource protection and community security.

In Elodrato, preparations for MMC elections involved consultations with local leaders and awareness sessions encouraging women to stand as candidates. Female participation is rising, and the new 15-member MMC will have clearly defined roles in patrols, enforcement, and financial management.

Across all sites, dina awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and enforcement activities have helped promote compliance during closed fishing seasons. These initiatives are strengthening trust, reducing conflict, and reinforcing the shared commitment to protecting Madagascar’s fragile marine ecosystems.

We extend our sincere thanks to our donors for their continued support, which makes these achievements possible and helps ensure lasting, community-led marine conservation.