Mada at the Heart
There are six of themUM all passionate about nature and ecology. TheseUM students’ projectUM create a marine protected area on Nosy Lava Island, a threatened gem in northern Madagascar. They set off on their adventure on June 4.
Welcome to Madagascar, “Mada” to those in the know. As the fifth-largest island in the world, it is home to a vast number of endemic animal and plant species. North of the main island lies Nosy Lava: situated at the entrance to Narinda Bay, this small island inhabited by fishermen is a paradise of biodiversity. But it is a paradise under threat…
Biodiversity at Risk
In 2014, the island’s residents turned to Opti’Pousse Haie, an organization specializing in sustainable local development. “The Sakalava people are struggling,” explains Emilie Lucchese, vice president of the organization. “Poaching, the animal trade, mangrove destruction, intensive fishing… This overexploitation of resources is primarily the work of people from outside the island. It’s tragic because the local population—a small fishing community—depends directly on these natural resources.”
At the Faculty of Sciences in Montpellier, six students are taking action. Marie, Ninon, Florine, Tiffany, Quentin, and Gaël are ecology students who are “passionate about nature and eager to share their knowledge and skills.” Their project: to help establish a marine protected area. They’ve named the project “Protect Mada,” and it’s funded by the Solidarity and Development Fund for Student Initiatives and supported by the Opti’Pousse Haie association. But they know it’s going to be a long road ahead…
Marine Protected Area
First step: collect the scientific data needed to put together a proposal in the field. This is no challenge for these enthusiasts, who will spend the coming summer exploring the extraordinary environment of Nosy Lava, as well as the way of life of its inhabitants. On the agenda: compiling an inventory of the island’s biodiversity, analyzing its resources—in short,“demonstrating the ecological and cultural value of the local environment.”
An exciting first phase of the study, but one that promises to be anything but easy… Ninon, who will be part of the expedition, is well aware of this:“We’re going to meet the fishermen and try to understand their practices and their worldview. How do they fish? Do they have strategies for protecting their resources? They’ll have to accept us into their daily lives, aboard their boats. It won’t be easy!”
Local population
Working in pairs, the students will try to gather the scientific data needed for their project, with each group accompanied by an island resident. Their presence on the island also serves another purpose: to raise awareness among the small local community about environmental conservation and to enable them to become fully involved in the project.
“Our organization is working to involve villagers in scientific research, ”says Emilie Lucchese. “By actively participating, each member of the community has a voice and plays an active role in shaping the future of their environment.” Once the project is complete, the marine protected area is expected to be managed locally by the villagers themselves.
Find the print version of this article in LUM magazine.
The Student Initiatives Solidarity and Development Fund
As a tool for fostering solidarity and enriching student life, the FSDIE was established to help students fund their projects in a wide range of areas (culture, humanitarian work, sports, solidarity, the environment, civic engagement, etc.). It also provides financial support to students facing significant hardship or living in precarious circumstances, in collaboration with CROUS social workers.