By Ranjaliva Vero Ramanihanitramalala, Madagascar
When I think about the ocean, several terms come to my mind: vastness, power, beauty, majestic, serene, powerful, mysterious, dynamic, life sustaining, inspiring, tranquil, pristine, endless, magnificent, unpredictable, expansive, diverse, fluid, ancient, ever-changing. These words attempt to convey the various aspects and impressions I associate with the ocean, but it is important to note that the ocean is a complex and multifaceted entity that can evoke different emotions and interpretations depending on personal experiences and perspectives. By teaching people to love and value the sea, I have also learned to value and love humanity.
My name is Ranja, I come from a town far away from the ocean. I met the Ocean for the first time at the age of 16 years old, and since then I have been in love with the sea. Alike our famous king ANDRIANAMPOINIMERINA, I want the ocean to be my boundaries. In 2018, I started to engage with the people of the ocean in Madagascar. Travelling around different places in the regions of Madagascar that covers the 5,603 km of our country’s coastline, I was so amazed when I saw all the diverse biodiversity and ecosystems in each place I visited. This empowered my desire to learn, search, and work hand in hand with the ocean people, and it ended up being my pleasure to be close to them. In 2021, I was called to be in charge of Madagascar’s ocean governance, and I would say this was a dream come true. Because I see myself as a lifelong learner, I continued my studies about the ocean and the big picture of creating different opportunities and improving this field. Now I am part of an International Training Program, exploring Marine Spatial Planning with different team members across East Africa.
For me, the ocean is also a primary source of sustenance and livelihood for millions of people around the world, and specifically for the people of Madagascar. It provides food resources such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed, supporting the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities. The ocean remains largely unexplored, offering immense opportunities for scientific research and innovation. It plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate. The health of the ocean is essential for maintaining a sustainable ecosystem, and you could say that the ocean is a crucial component of the Earth’s overall environmental balance.
It is important for my country to adopt sustainable practices and prioritise the protection and conservation of the ocean’s health. This is specifically important to ensure long-term development benefits while preserving the environment and ecosystem services it provides. Protecting and conserving the ocean’s health is vital for the well-being of our planet and future generations. Yes, the ocean can indeed be a pathway to a country’s development in several ways, for the betterment of Madagascar.
Malagasy people: let us come together in return back to our origin. The Ocean.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University. Read the collection of stories here.
Feature photo: © Andriatsilavo David/WWF Madagascar
