Sophia Rakotoharimalala (ELP 2024) | Northwest Seascape Manager, Wildlife Conservaton Society - Madagascar Program, Madagascar
The oceans and seas cover 70% of our planet and represent 97% of the water on earth (National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. “How Much Water is in the Ocean?”). They connect people, provide food and oxygen, and regulate our climate by absorbing almost quarter of the CO2 product and shelter a remarkable diversity of species (United Nations. “The Ocean - The World’s Greatest Ally Against Climate Change”). These are crucial facts that I had not fully appreciated until I explored the incredible marine areas of Madagascar.
My journey into environmental conservation began over a decade ago, with a volunteer position at an organization dedicated to protecting marine mammals and their habitats in Madagascar. This experience unveiled an astonishing new world to me—the marine environment. Hailing from the highlands, my exposure to coastal areas was limited, and my understanding of the ocean was shaped more by cartoons like "The Little Mermaid" than by real-world experience.
The rich marine biodiversity captivated me, prompting me to deepen my understanding of the ocean’s significance. Working alongside a passionate team of professionals further fueled my desire to pursue this field. Since 2011, I have become acutely aware of the immense value of our oceans, both biologically and economically—a value that is still not widely recognized by decision-makers and the public. The oceans play a critical role in climate regulation, acting as a carbon pump and a producer of oxygen through plankton. However, this vital resource is at risk due to human activities such as overfishing, coastal erosion, land overexploitation, and pollution.
Recognizing both the importance of marine areas and the threats they face; I have focused my efforts, since 2015, on researching and implementing alternative livelihood activities for coastal communities in Madagascar. These include agriculture, beekeeping, crafts, and aquaculture. My work extends beyond biological research: it involves empowering local communities. Through these initiatives, we have fostered behavior change and improved the well-being of hundreds of households. For instance, families have been able to fund their children’s education through the sale of tomatoes, and our capacity-building efforts have empowered women and youth to advocate for environmental protection within their villages.
Despite the challenges, the positive impacts of our work are a powerful motivator. Our contributions may seem “microscopic” in the grand scheme of things, but they are crucial for the health of our planet and humanity. Let’s each contribute our “drop of water” to this vast ocean, recognizing that every small effort is essential in the fight for a sustainable future.
[The blog post image was first published on Flickr by travelmag.com. Original image by Florent Mechain. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic.]