The protection of marine ecosystems is a priority for the coastal communities of Anjouan. Thanks to the commitment of the Malezi Mema association, the creation of the Vassy permanent marine reserve becomes a reality in Hamaré area, near the village of Vassy. Supported by various local and national actors and actresses, this ambitious initiative marks a important step in the restoration of the Comoros reefs. 

Engaging coastal communities in conservation

The establishment of this permanent marine reserve is the result of a collective effort led by the Malezi Mema association, accompanied by Dahari. The fishermen drew on their local knowledge and the results of rapid reef assessments in the area to map key marine habitats and designate the permanent reserve. Combining scientific and local knowledge, the fishermen leaders proposed a reef area with good fisheries productivity, corals, and that was also socially acceptable – in the sense that it would not have too much impact on any particular group of fishermen. Further informal meetings and consultations took place in the communities to validate the selected area. These meetings were well attended in Dzindri, Mutsamudu and Vassy:

• Members of fishing associations from neighboring villages,
• The village chiefs,
• The Anjouan fishermen's union,
• The town hall of Vouani,
• Shissiwani National Park
• The Regional Directorates of Fisheries and the Environment.

In July 2021, discussions resulted in the officialization of the Vassy marine reserveThe co-management agreement was signed by all stakeholders including local fisheries management associations, municipal authorities and law enforcement agencies of Sima and Pomoni. Fishing is now strictly prohibited in this reserve to allow fishery resources to regenerate.

Awareness raising and monitoring measures

This 8 ha (80m²) marine reserve is the first community initiative of this kind in the ComorosBy closing this area to human activities, local associations aim to provide a sanctuary for corals and fish. expected long-term results are the following :

• Corals are regenerating,
• Fish populations find refuge to reproduce,
• Local marine ecosystems are generally recovering.

To Increase awareness among coastal communities, road signs clearly indicate:

• The limits of the protected area,
• Prohibited practices,
• Penalties for non-compliance with the measures.

In addition, buoys mark the boundaries of the Vassy reserve to ensure continued protection. Please note that members of The Malezi Mema association carries out continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with this initiative.

Ansoya Ahmed, president of the Malezi Mema association, tells us about his organization: "We take turns monitoring every two or three days. alternate shifts, one group leaves on the same day and the other group leaves the next day, so that people cannot identify the days without supervision. We have already arrested one person and It served as a lesson to others"

Impacts of the Vassy reserve: reactions and testimonies from local fishermen and women

In order to measure the state of resources and monitor the impact of management measures, monitoring the health of reefs and populations of fish, as well as fishing catches, have been carried out in the area since 2017. A preliminary analysis of fishing catch data shows a significant increase in catches for sites located 1 km around the permanent reserve after its implementation (report in preparation).

These positive results are confirmed with fishermen. Social studies conducted in 2023 reveal that 71% of fishermen and fisherwomen perceive management in a positive way and benefit concrete effects. For example, Ansoya claims that certain species of fish have reappeared in the area:

"Since we established the permanent reserve, fish species that had left are starting to come back. Fish such as the Hanale Mtsutsu were caught a few days ago, the fish that live in the “Mpwa" are back again."

In view of the benefits, the reserve is also being extended in the area, which has also inspired other local communities to set up their own reserves, particularly in the towns of Moya and Kowe, where discussions are currently underway. In addition, local fishermen's associations have already set up several complementary initiatives, such as the temporary closure of fishing or the use of less destructive techniques, such as the wooden stick "mwiri".

Thanks to Malezi Mema for being an inspiration in reef restoration carried out with the commitment of fishermen