The Malezi Mema de Ndzuani Association established the first prohibited fishing zone or permanent marine reserve in the Comoros in 2021, southwest of the island, with the support of Ong Dahari. Almost five years later, these efforts were crowned with an international prize.
The Ocean Awards 2026 or Ocean Prize 2026 was awarded Thursday, August 20 at the National Fishing School in Mirassi, at the Malezi Mema association of Vassy-Dzindri-Salamani, three coastal localities of Ndzuani. She was nominated in the Community Impact category by the scientific organization Nekton Mission and the magazine Boat International. The announcement was made by Dahari’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Anssoufouddine Mohamed, and the release to the association was made by Environment Minister Abubakar Ben Mahmoud.
In addition to the Certificate signed by the Director General of Boat International, the winners received an outboard engine. The International Award recognizes the collective and local effort of this group of traditional fishermen for the protection and restoration of local marine biodiversity. Nekton Mission and Boat International honour each year the major global contributions to the resolution of the ocean crisis. Initially Launched on a small area within Shisiwani National Park, this community-managed initiative has resulted in an increase in fish biomass.
This ecological and economic success has prompted fishermen to double the area of the reserve and now inspires several other villages in Ndzuani to duplicate this sustainable marine management model. I’m sorry.
Dahari – Komori ya leo na meso – remains the key conservation player in Ndzuani, aimed at supporting fishermen in establishing a permanent reserve network to restore reefs and benecify fishermen. The Malezi Mema association, which was responsible for the creation of the permanent marine reserve of Vassy, works with the fishing association Maecha Bora of the villages of Dzindri, Salamani and Vassy for the marine management of their area, according to Dahari.
There is also collaboration with seven other fishing associations in the villages of Moya, Maweni, Kowe and Imere. Dahari has not yet exported this model of marine management to the other islands. Welcoming this, Misbahou Mohamed, co-director of the Ong, said: “At least not directly.” “Visits toUN fishing communities from other villages and from Mwali and Ngazidja have been held regularly to share the approach and inspire replication,” he says.
All types of fishermen are involved together in management, as the measures impact them all according to the areas. Piroguers are involved like divers who are active on the reef. These associations have so far set up four permanent reserves with an area of 120 hectares, and the benefits are felt for fishermen with an increase in catches.
During this process of setting up and managing reserves, associations also strengthened their governance Delegations and ownership of measures, as well as strengthened collaboration with local and regional authorities, demonstrating that effective community management exists.
Related Articles
