From November 30 to December 2, 2014, Dahari held a brainstorming workshop at the Mirontsy fishing school to draft the NGO’s 2015–2020 strategic plan. The workshop concluded on the third day with a ceremony—attended by representatives from both state and non-state institutions—to present the key outlines of this five-year action plan. These three days of deliberations, which were crucial to the NGO’s future, were made possible through the financial support of our partner, the WWF. Four representatives from our international partners—Durrell, the WWF, CIRAD, and Blue Ventures—participated in the workshop, joining a working group composed of the Dahari team and members of the organization’s General Assembly and Board of Directors.

The strategic planning workshop: two days of group reflection and brainstorming

November 30th and 1^Oh December, participants were divided into working groups to brainstorm various ways to enhance Dahari’s impact. Five key questions were posed:

• How can we improve our current interventions?
• what new activities should be integrated into the existing areas?
• To what extent should the area of ​​intervention be expanded?
• What new areas of activity should be developed?
• How can the NGO’s functioning be strengthened?

The results of the brainstorming workshop will be used to draft a strategic plan for the 2015–2020 period, as well as a capacity-building plan for the team. These documents will be prepared by the NGO’s team over the coming weeks, then reviewed by the Board of Directors, discussed with the communities, and finally validated by the General Assembly.

The launch ceremony for the 2015–2020 action plan

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, a ceremony was held to present the initial results of the workshop focused on the strategic plan. The event took place at the Alliance Franco-Comorienne in Mutsamudu, with members of civil society and representatives from the Ministry of Production and the administration of the autonomous island of Anjouan in attendance.

We welcomed Mr. Ali Djoumoi, Advisor to the President for the agricultural sector; Mr. Mohamed Ali Houmadi, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Production, Environment, Energy, Industry, and Crafts of the Union of the Comoros; Mr. Mohadji Asnaoui, Director General of INRAPE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment); and Mr. Houmadi Daoud, Commissioner in charge of the promotion of production, the economy, investments, and territorial development—with responsibility for water, energy, and the environment—for the autonomous island of Anjouan.

Technical Director Hugh Doulton presented the priorities identified for the 2015–2020 period:

• In terms ofagricultural support, interventions will continue to be improved, and innovations will be identified with the support of CIRAD.
• For the management of terrestrial natural resourcesDahari will support community leaders who are motivated to protect wood and water resources, and will help them safeguard small forest areas to begin with.
• Questions regarding Ecological research have been identified for the purpose of studying flagship species and monitoring the forest and deforestation. Among the initial conservation initiatives, Livingstone’s fruit bat will be prioritized.
• Commercial activities will be strengthened to generate income for the communities and to support Dahari’s operations. This includes ecotourism, consulting, and the importation of high-quality seeds.
• The new areas of activity have been identified: education, integrated management of marine and coastal resources, and family planning and nutrition activities. Initial activities in these areas will be carried out through local partners, with the support of international partners.
• Regarding governance and monitoring and evaluation, the Board of Directors and the management team will receive coaching through exchange visits with partner NGOs. A capacity-building plan for the entire team and its members will be developed.

In his speech, Anllaouddine Abou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dahari, stated that the development initiatives undertaken by Dahari must be carried out with the support of both state and non-state institutions: "We are seeking the support of all institutions working in the Comoros, as well as all key individuals with expertise in the areas where the NGO Dahari operates, to help implement the organization’s 2015–2020 Action Plan. I hope that Dahari’s leadership will be able to strengthen partnerships and collaboration with other stakeholders active in the Comoros."

A positive outlook for the future of Dahari

The outcome of these three days is more than satisfactory: extensive reflection has taken place, innovative ideas have been put forward, Comorian civil society has been informed of the decisions, and international partners have expressed their satisfaction.

Fidy Ralison, marine program coordinator for WWF Madagascar, emphasizes that he came to the Comoros with a sense of hope. “Is there an organization in the Comoros that could make a difference and serve as an inspiration? That is what Dahari represents to me. I have been moved by everything you have managed to undertake.”, nous a-t-il confié.

For his part, Claude Vuillaume, a territorial cooperation officer at CIRAD, commends the values ​​shared by the Dahari team: "My participation—and that of CIRAD—made possible by your invitation, alongside international NGOs WWF, Durrell, and Blue Ventures, allowed me to discover a team of exceptional quality, both in human terms and in terms of scientific and technical expertise, characterized by total commitment and a strong sense of solidarity among all staff."

As for Kitty Brayne, a coordinator for the NGO Blue Ventures in Madagascar, she also happens to be a former member of the Dahari team. She recounts: "We put a great deal of work into creating this NGO. I left when it was still just a concept. Returning today, I see a very strong identity—you share a true team spirit and a set of values. Having worked for two other organizations since I left, I still find myself drawing lessons from you."

The NGO would like to thank all the stakeholders for their participation.