Future of Food: Madagascar

The global demand for seafood is growing along with concerns about overfishing and the well-being of our oceans. A seaside community dependent on fishing in Andavadoaka, Madagascar is exploring ways to protect their marine environment with sustainable practices to nurture the sought-after seafood that occurs naturally along its coast. With the help of the non-governmental organization Blue Ventures, a network of villages have created Velondriake, a locally managed marine protected area spanning about 390 square miles. Meaning “to live with the sea” in the Vezo dialect of the Malagasy language, the program has become a global model that allows seafood to replenish naturally with temporary fishing closures, octopus reserves and sea cucumber farms. Velondriake has helped fishermen increase their profits as they partake in a cooperative enterprise that promotes community education, outreach, and health services.