SPGA Participates in OECM Workshop, Madagascar

From December 9th to 12th, a significant gathering of sixty Marine Protected Area (MPA) professionals from across the Indian Ocean region—including Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, Kenya, Mayotte, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rodrigues, and Tanzania—took place in Madagascar, for a pivotal technical meeting. This workshop aimed to enhance community engagement and involvement in the protection of MPAs in these countries. Seychelles was represented by the SPGA CEO, Mr. Allen Cedras, and personnel from the Island Conservation Society (ICS) and the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS).

The primary objectives of the workshop were to foster dialogue amongst MPA practitioners regarding effective management modalities and to establish a comprehensive glossary of Other Effective Conservation-Based Measures (OECMs) relevant to the region. Additionally, participants were able to analyse the challenges and issues faced by their individual MPAs and worked collaboratively to devise innovative solutions and strategies for implementation.

OECMs play a crucial role in achieving the global 30×30 target, which strives for the effective and equitable management of at least 30% of land and sea areas—particularly those vital for biodiversity. This initiative emphasizes the importance of creating well-connected conservation systems that can support ecological integrity.

Organized by IUCN in collaboration with Réserves Naturelles de France (RNF) and supported by the VARUNA programme, the workshop was jointly supported by partners such as the MIHARI Network, the Foundation for Marine Protected Areas and Biodiversity of Madagascar, and the Madagascar National Parks, and featured technical discussions, collaborative workshops, and field visits to enhance practical understanding.