On February 25, 2025, Fanamby held the national validation of its updated Management and Development Plan for the Loky Manambato Protected Area. In front of the commission of the Madagascar Protected Areas System and its partners, this strategic document—covering the next five years—aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation while ensuring sustainable development for the benefit of local communities in Loky Manambato.

The PAG: A Key Tool for Protected Area Management

For protected area managers, it serves as a compass, guiding every action toward a future where nature and communities thrive together. It defines strategic orientations, priority actions, and the resources required to ensure effective and sustainable natural resource management.

At Loky Manambato, the PAG is a cornerstone of our conservation efforts. It helps organize conservation activities with local communities, authorities, and technical and financial partners. It ensures that the management of the protected area is based on up-to-date scientific data, inclusive consultations, and clear objectives.

Loky Manambato: Strengthened Community Engagement

For several years now, local communities have been actively involved in managing their territory. One major success has been raising awareness around sustainable fishing practices in Lake Sahaka. A local fisherman shares:

"Before, we fished without limits and the catches were getting smaller every year. Since we established rules with Fanamby, we’ve seen a difference. Now, we fish less often, but more effectively. Our children will also be able to benefit from it."

Community members, through outreach missions, also shared the effectiveness of our approach:

"When the protected area authorities first came, we were wary. We thought they were going to forbid us from using the forest, take away our means of living. But it didn’t happen like that. They came and talked to us, listened to our concerns. They understood that we need the forest to live, but that the forest also needs protection in order to continue supporting us."

A Strong Commitment to Implementation

The success of this plan relies on a collaborative approach between Fanamby, local authorities, communities, and technical and financial partners. The PAG also includes:

• The development of sustainable financing mechanisms, including ecotourism and payments for environmental services.
  
• Rigorous monitoring of the actions implemented, to measure their impact and adjust strategies as needed.
  

The update of this plan marks a new chapter in the sustainable management of Loky Manambato. Through collective commitment and a clear vision, this protected area will continue to be a model of community-based conservation and sustainable development in Madagascar.