Madagascar Creates The First National Marine Park
NEW YORK (22 aprile 2015) - The government of Madagascar celebrates Earth Day with the formal creation of the three marine protected areas by the communities that will double the size of the country protected marine network, according to the WCS ( Wildlife Conservation Society) .
On April 21, the Malagasy Government has granted permanent protection in 27 protected areas, including the first three marine protected areas by the communities of the country: Soariake marine park in the southwest of the island nation and Ankarea e Ankivonjy Marine Parks in the Northwest. The three marine parks are located along the western coast of Madagascar in what is known as the Mozambique Channel, which houses the second most diverse coral population of the world. Together with the government and local communities, WCS has worked in these three sites over the last five years to develop and establish a new model for the marine protected areas in Madagascar with an approach based on science and community aspects.
As the fifth largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to large marine ecosystems. Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Ecology, oceans and forests, and after significant efforts in the field with our partners, WCS and the Ministry of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries, we are very proud to announce today the permanent protection of the first three areas marine protected the country that have been developed and will be managed in partnership with local communities. (Liva Ramiandrarivo, Director of Conservation, biodiversity and protected area network in Madagascar at the Ministry for the Environment, Ecology, oceans and forests)
We commend the Government of Madagascar for the creation of these three new marine protected areas and to support the "UN Aichi Target" which tras its objectives to protect the 10% of marine habitats around the world. I can think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day on the preservation of irreplaceable wildlife of the world. (Dr. Cristián Samper, WCS President and CEO)
With this model, we have evidence that protected areas not only benefit biodiversity, but also the local communities to ensure their food security, bringing much needed additional revenue to local fishermen, as well as their skills. (Excellency Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of Madagascar, a 2014 IUCN World Parks Congress in Sydney)
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