Phanerogam meadows play a major role in the marine environment, in particular, the oxygenation of water, the storage of carbon, and the source of food for aquatic animals. However, over the past two decades, these plants have been threatened due to global warming and human overexploitation.
The situation is alarming, and has not left the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) indifferent. As part of the Western Indian Ocean Coastal and Ocean Resilience (WIOCOR) project, a project implemented by IUCN in its Great Blue Wall program, and financed by the French Fund for the global environment (FFEM). As a result, this intergovernmental organization encourages NGOs as well as associations from the DIANA and SAVA regions to participate. Indeed, these entities mentioned will be supported. “ We are asking you to support our local communities managing MPAs, TGRH, LMMA, women’s associations, youth associations, to submit in the portfolio 20,000 USD to 40,000 USD. We also invite research centers, NGOs, associations… which can manage a larger portfolio (50,000 to 100,000 USD) to submit relevant projects on the preservation and restoration of underwater meadows… Interested parties are invited to consult these links https://iucn.org/node/42411, https://www.greatbluewall.org/… The deadline for submitting project files is extended to December 5 2024″, according to the call for projects document for the conservation and restoration of seagrass beds, and for the development of a sustainable blue economy “.
This initiative aims to integrate seagrass beds into marine protected areas, reducing the impact of human activities causing disruption to the ecosystem. Natural resources are invaluable assets since they largely contribute to economic development. The protection of these treasures is more than a mission, it must be an integral part of the culture so that descendants can inherit them. being part of heritage, biodiversity determines the identity of a nation.
In short, the life of the Malagasy, the inhabitants of coastal areas in particular, is closely linked to the marine environment, constituting the main source of income for many families. Therefore, the offer from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will enable local communities to defend natural commons. Everyone’s responsibility leads to everyone’s prosperity!
Iss Heridiny
