Project Oratsimba

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.

In the remote Anosy region of southeast Madagascar, your support is transforming lives.

This March, community members gathered in Ambinanibe to celebrate a major milestone: the successful completion of Project CSB Strengthening. Thanks to your generosity, the local health centre now has five hygienic latrines, a menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and shower facility, a handwashing station, a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system, and a powerful 400-watt solar energy system. This investment is restoring dignity and dramatically improving access to essential healthcare for thousands.

At the Manambaro health centre, SEED is preparing to rebuild and cyclone-proof the roof destroyed by Cyclone Jude. With climate disasters becoming more frequent, this work is vital to ensuring healthcare access even in times of crisis.

Meanwhile, along Madagascar’s coastlines, Project Oratsimba is empowering fishing communities to protect and manage their marine resources. Fifty-eight fishers from Elodrato and Sainte Luce have just completed financial literacy training, equipping them with the tools to plan for long-term economic stability. A proposal to expand the initiative to Ambanihazo is now under review, marking the beginning of an even broader impact.

On World Bee Day, we were reminded of the fragility of the ecosystems Anosy communities depend on. The spread of the varroa mite; an invasive and destructive parasite, has threatened local bee populations and the livelihoods of the beekeepers who rely on them. In response, Project Renitantely is providing emergency treatments like Apistan and distributing vital beekeeping equipment, while continuing to build long-term resilience through training in sustainable practices and business development.

SEED remains committed to creating meaningful and lasting change in the Anosy region. From strengthening healthcare systems to building climate-resilient livelihoods, your support is helping SEED create lasting change in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Thank you for being part of this journey; your partnership makes everything possible.