OCEAN

Education, Marine Conservation, and Employment Promotion vs Child Exploitation.

Why is this project necessary?

In Tulear, deforestation and coastal exploitation are combined with severe social challenges such as poverty, the sexual exploitation of young people, and limited access to education.

We address these challenges through vocational training in ecotourism and marine biodiversity conservation, aimed at a group of girls who will promote their learning and knowledge within the community.

The project focuses on reforesting a protected mangrove area, conducting a scientific conservation study by marine biology and blue carbon experts, and involving the students from the vocational training.

Additionally, it includes raising awareness among students and adults through the creation of educational materials (exhibitions and mobile cinema) and the establishment of an Ocean Museum.

We create learning spaces and train vulnerable young people in ecotourism, agroecological professions, and support the conservation of a mangrove forest.

MAIN OBJETIVES

CONSERVATION

Expand, monitor, and measure the impact of the mangrove conservation strategy and carbon footprint in collaboration with biologists from various universities.

 
 
 
 

AWARENESS

Scale up environmental education programs and open an Ocean Museum for students from 50 schools and residents of nearby villages.

EDUCATION

Create two-year vocational training courses for girls and young women from Mangily and the coast, offering alternatives to sexual exploitation and the unsustainable sale of natural resources. (2 cohorts).

SOME INTERESTING FACTS

Execution period: From October 2024 to March 2028.

 

Total project cost: 333.507£

2024/2025: 68.661£

2025/2026: 65.588£

2025/2026: 80.109£

2025/2026: 74.149£

2025/2026: 40.199£

Short-term results

The project provides vocational training to 50 young women, giving them the opportunity to continue their education beyond secondary school, enhancing their autonomy, technical skills, and leadership abilities, and increasing their chances of accessing decent employment. This training not only helps them break free from structural poverty but also promotes environmental sustainability, as the specializations are directly related to marine ecosystem conservation. 

Long-term results

OCEAN promotes sustainable economic development and employability by training 50 young women, who, along with their families (around 400 people), will establish businesses in ecotourism, mangrove honey production, and crab farming. This initiative will drive a more sustainable tourism and consumption sector, with a multiplier effect on the region and potential for expansion to other locations and groups.

PARTNERS

Fundación Agua de Coco y ONG Bel Avenir

Project coordination, budget management, international suppliers, reporting, and other management tasks.

Students and Educational Institutions

50 school groups participating in environmental educational stays.

Association Élite 3a: Interdisciplinary student club. They ensure a liaison role between the population and the mangrove.

Environmental and Conservation Organizations

  • Blue Ventures:
  • Aires Marines Éducatives” del Office Français de la Biodiversité
  • Bureau National de Coordination des Changements Climatiques (BNCCC)

Private Sector and Local Entrepreneurs

Hotel Solidaire  Mangily and other tourist establishments in the area.

SB Hotels: It has a planned collaboration at the corporate volunteering level.

Collaboration agreement to host internship students.

Researchers

  • Universidad de Tulear
  • Universidad y Gobierno de los Baleares
  • Universidad de Exeter (RU), Valencia (España) y de Georgetown (Qatar)
  • Parque de las Ciencias de Granada (España).

Local Governments and Authorities

Tourism Office. The ORT can facilitate contacts for the creation of the training program and educational materials for young women. Currently, there is a sustainable tourism training program (Miatrika) funded by the World Bank (2021-2023).

Support from the UK Embassy in Antananarivo.

Local Communities

  • Residents of areas near the mangroves, including fishermen, farmers, and families, actively participate in reforestation and environmental education activities.
  • GTPM (Association of Tourist Guides and Pyroghiers Mangily)