Integrated Coastal Zone Management

The Antongil Bay region is known for its rich biodiversity and its very high level of endemism. Half of all currently known floral species in Madagascar occur in the area. Overall, the strong impacts of several anthropogenic pressures threaten the integrity of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems in and around the bay. Having participated in environmental protection in the area through its different projects, WCS is not only concerned with the conservation of the environment, but with the well being of the local population. The two are inseparable. WCS has initiated ICZM procedures that ensure all concerned parties are included in the creations of a strategy and an action plan for the management of resources, and will work together to implement it.   For more information on our marine work in Madgascar, click here.

The population is turning more and more towards fishing due to increasing unemployment and insufficient facilities for rice cultivation.  The authorities at all levels, ministries concerned, the users of Antongil Bay, the technicians of SAGE as well as ANGAP (National Park service Madagascar) Masoala work together with WCS at every step along the way, from the idea, to the planning to the implementation of the integrated management plan.

Threats

• Decline of natural stocks due to the use of destructive fishing materials and methods,
• Ecosystem degradation by siltation caused by uncontrolled slash and burn agriculture.

WCS Activities

• Promotion of the collaboration with potential partners (international, national, regional et local)
• Implementing ICZM procedures listed below:
• The preparation of a consultation process, to deal with the identification of concerned parties and their problems in relation to their interests concerning resource management.
• The consultation: bring together the environmental managers (authorities, users, technicians and researchers) at one table to find a common management approach.
• Activities following consultation: finalize and implement the integrated management plan
• Put together an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) program

Important Next Steps

• Research on the indicators of management efficiency.
• An ecological study of each ecosystem vital to the regeneration of resources.
• Studies on the regeneration capacities of overexploited species.
• Increased awareness at all levels concerning the IEC program.