FAPBM participated in the celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem celebrated which took place from 24 to 26 July 2022 in Nosy-Be (Northern Madagascar). Lead by the theme “Let’s act together for the integrated and sustainable management of mangroves”, the 3 days of celebration were marked by restoration actions, a carnival, exhibition stands, and conferences. Through Serge Ratsirahonana, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, FAPBM presented the mechanisms of punctual funding available to support research (Support Fund for Strengthening-FAR) or to cope with threats (Emergency Fund). “ FAPBM co-funds activities in the PAs and aims to assess the results and impacts of these funds on the state of mangrove conservation. FAPBM encourages PA managers to put in place a more effective monitoring system for mangroves including an early alerting system for threats.“
In 2021, more than 43,000 ha of mangroves were preserved in the protected areas funded by FAPBM, mostly those in the west of Madagascar. Of the 48 protected areas currently funded by FAPBM, 15 include mangroves.
Located at the mouths of rivers, mangroves owe their survival to the meeting of fresh and salted water. By acting as shields against extreme phenomena such as cyclones and floods, they defend populations. But more than that, they absorb and store up to four times more carbon per area than upland terrestrial forests. In Madagascar, they also provide food for a large number of communities that practice beekeeping and fishing (shrimp, crabs and fish), or tourism. The study on the economic contribution carried out in Antrema reveals for example that mangroves bring 136 USD/ha/year to the local population. Hence the importance of their conservation.
Let us act together for the integrated and sustainable management of mangroves.
