Introduction

The marine conservation NGO Blue Ventures has been working with local communities in the region of Andavadoaka, southwest Madagascar, since 2003. Its aim is to protect the biological diversity, sustainability and productivity of the region’s coral reefs and related habitats, while improving the quality of life of the local coastal communities that depends almost entirely on local marine and coastal resources for subsistence and income. Following the results of a pilot marine no take zone launched three years ago adjacent to the remote fishing village of Andavadoaka, Blue Ventures and partner organisations, the University of Toliara’s Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IHSM) and WCS– Madagascar, are currently working with 23 neighbouring villages towards the development of a network of community-run marine, coastal and terrestrial protected areas in the Andavadoaka region.