Our Mission: ReefDoctor is a small not-for-profit organisation completing coral reef research, education and conservation work on the 4th most important coral reef system in the world, the ‘Toliara coral reef system of SW Madagascar’.
ReefDoctor’s commitment to sustainable conservation is at the heart of all of our activities – to work with local communities, organisations and government (local and National) to realise marine conservation alongside positive social development.
Our core objectives have been formulated with this in mind;
- To conduct research into coral reef health within the Bay of Ranobe and monitor the coral reef ecosystem and associated artisanal fishery.
- To promote and participate in the education of local communities, businesses and tourists about the fragility of coral reefs, how to protect them, and the benefits of sustainable fishing practices and responsible tourism.
- To help conserve coral reef ecosystems through community-led coastal management projects such as marine protected areas and the development of alternative sustainable fishing areas.
- To help local communities explore alternative livelihoods and the development of additional diversified incomes.
What We Do: Through a programme of coral reef ecosystem research and monitoring, marine management and community development ReefDoctor hopes to help the local community learn more sustainable fishing practises, develop an understanding of the marine environment and manage its resources over the short and long term
We also raise awareness in the local community on coral reef health issues, destructive fishing techniques and conservational issues. Teach marine ecology and conservation practices to the local children and adults and teach English to the fishermen with boats for hire to aid in their interaction with tourists, and other activities in regards to social development projects e.g working with our newly created women’s association teaching hygiene, setting up alternative businesses and generally helping them come together for the benefits of their families.
All our work is directed at helping local communities develop and grow while conserving their unique resources. Our fisheries management programmes are conducted jointly with villagers to ensure they offer affordable alternatives with realistic short and long-term benefits.
In addition, our coastal management programmes are designed to allow local communities to get the most out of the marine environment, while contributing to its conservation and future resource potential.
To help achieve this, we employ local staff wherever possible, providing training and development at all levels, from science and diving to computers and languages, and believe in giving back as much as we can - we use local transport, services and shops and encourage all our international staff and volunteer research assistants to do the same.
The local community aren’t the only ones to benefit, our work is part of much larger global effort involving local, national and international organisations working to further scientific knowledge and create research, conservation and education initiatives worldwide.
ReefDoctor has developed links with the University of Toliara and the Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IH.SM), MAEP (Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Elevage et de la Pêche), Direction Regional pour le Development Rurale (DRDR), CISCO, SAGE (Service d’Appui à la Gestion de l’Environnement), ORTO (Office Regional du Tourisme), ADES(Association de Developpement de l’Energie Solaire), L’atelier des Merveilleux (Association de développement et d’expérimentation artistique, Tuléar), and global NGOs working in the area such as WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature), WCS (World Conservation Society), Reef Check and those outside Madagascar such as the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).
Through these links we are able to contribute to a much wider conservation community with invaluable scientific knowledge and practical conservation research and experience.
ReefDoctor’s work with village committee presidents, fishermen, tourist operators and on site survey work has given us a unique overview of the issues and perspectives of the different stakeholders and is now in an excellent position to help bring together the various stakeholders.
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