Ma Honko Project : The strategic Board retreat

Mangroves play a fundamental role in maintaining biodiversity and fighting climate change, while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, these ecosystems, rich and precious, are threatened by human activities, driven by a lack of economic alternatives. In Madagascar, the situation is critical, as local communities, lacking resources, exploit mangroves to meet their basic needs.

Faced with this situation, the MA Honko project, developed by Bôndy, aims to restore mangroves in four strategic regions: Diana, Sofia, Boeny and Melaky. “Ma Honko,” meaning “Mangrove” in Malagasy, is a large-scale project that, in partnership with local communities, aims to restore degraded mangroves by planting native species. The project recently obtained the Gold Standard for Global Goals (GS4GG) certification, attesting to its contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions through the restoration of mangroves.

Overview of the first year and objectives for the 2024-2025 campaign

On November 23, the Bôndy teams met in Antsohihy, in the SOFIA region, to take stock of the first year of actions of the Ma Honko project. The objectives of this strategic meeting are multiple, namely: to refine strategies, plan the planting calendar and define the budget by region, while validating operational procedures for future campaigns. Thirty participants actively participated in this strategic meeting, including project managers, technicians, supervisors and other project managers.

These sessions made it possible to assess the successes and challenges encountered, to establish improvement strategies, as well as to design the planting schedule and to validate the operational procedures for the coming campaign. Each region involved was able to share their experiences: successes, challenges, and needs to ensure the success of the project. Visits to sites and nurseries took place to assess progress and identify strategies adapted to each zone. Regional workshops and training were also organized, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration to protect these essential ecosystems for future generations.

An operational model by region

One of the priorities of the meeting was to develop an operational model common to the four regions, allowing for an optimized organization of plantations. The operational calendar for each region has been developed, including the definition of planting areas (polygons), the production of young plants in nurseries, and the engagement of local planters and nurserymen. This structure allows a clear vision of the resources required, with ambitious goals aimed at reducing the need for replanting as much as possible (objective: 0 relining). The operational budget for the 2024-2025 campaign was also established by region, taking into account specific needs in terms of planting, nursery management, and community development. The teams also worked on strategies to mobilize stakeholders to strengthen local governance in the short, medium and long term. These local collaborations are essential to ensure the sustainable involvement of communities in the preservation of mangroves, which remain a valuable common resource for coastal populations.

Risk management and team training

Recognizing the environmental and logistical risks, the Bôndy team identified the solutions and measures needed for each region. Special training on polygon eligibility assessment was provided to teams, equipping them with the skills needed to identify optimal planting areas. This capacity building for teams in the field is fundamental to maximizing the effectiveness and impact of the project. The Ma Honko project symbolizes the commitment of Bôndy and Malagasy communities to the preservation and restoration of mangroves. With strategic planning and strengthened community mobilization, Ma Honko is a model project for the conservation of ecosystems in Madagascar, also contributing to sustainable development goals by reducing carbon emissions.

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