Tsimembo Manambolomaty Wetland Complex
Region
Africa
Country
Madagascar
Flyway
East Africa – Central Asia flyway
Initiative
WLI Africa
About
Name of organisation
The Peregrine Fund Madagascar
Funding support
The Peregrine Fund, FAPBM, LCAOF, Re:wild, Conservation Allies, GEF (COKETES, S2NAP), SOS Lemur, CEPF
Number of staff
21 staff are involved in site management.
Number of visitors per year
Overall aims of the centre
To conserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Tsimembo Manambolomaty Wetland Complex through community-based management, environmental education, sustainable natural resource use, scientific research, and local livelihood development.
Description of the centre
The Tsimembo Manambolomaty Wetland Complex is located in western Madagascar, within the Melaky Region, District of Antsalova, and extends across the rural municipalities of Antsalova, Masoarivo, and Trangahy.
The wetland complex comprises a network of permanent freshwater lakes (Ankerika, Soamalipo, Befotaka, Antsamaka, Masama and several satellite lakes) surrounded by the Tsimembo dry deciduous forest, extensive marshes, and mangrove ecosystems.
A portion of this complex, including four Lakes (Ankerika, Befotaka, Soamalipo, and Antsamaka) together with portions of the surrounding dry forest, covers 7,491 ha and has been designated as a Ramsar Site under the name “Complexe des Lacs de Manambolomaty” (Ramsar Site No. 963).
The complex of wetlands is fully included within the Tsimembo Manambolomaty Protected Area, covering 62,745 ha. In turn, the Protected Area itself is encompassed by the Tsimembo Biosphere Reserve, covering 165,225 ha. This hierarchical structure ensures that the wetland complex benefits from multiple layers of conservation recognition and management, ranging from international Ramsar designation to national protection and global biosphere reserve status.
The Tsimembo Manambolomaty wetland complex supports exceptional biodiversity, including numerous endemic and migratory waterbirds, freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and wetland vegetation. The site is of outstanding global conservation importance, supporting approximately 10% of the global population of the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle (Ichtyophage vociferoides). It also provides critical habitat for several other threatened and endemic waterbird species, including the Madagascar Heron (Ardea humbloti), Madagascar Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis bernieri), Bernier's Teal (Anas bernieri), Madagascar Jacana (Actophilorinis albinucha) and Madagascar Pond Heron (Ardeola idae). In addition, the presence of the Critically Endangered Madagascar Big-headed Turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis) and valuable timber species such as rosewood further enhances the site's conservation significance. Beyond its exceptional biodiversity, the wetland complex provides essential ecosystem services that sustain local livelihoods, particularly through fisheries, water resources, and other natural resources that are vital to the economic development and well-being of surrounding communities.
Since 1992, the site has implemented an integrated community-based conservation program combining biodiversity conservation, environmental education, ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries management, and alternative livelihood activities. The site also serves as an important location for scientific research, capacity building, and conservation training.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
The site actively promotes Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) through:
• Environmental education programs for schools and local communities
• Community awareness campaigns on wetland conservation and sustainable resource use
• Capacity building for local community organizations
• Participatory wetland management
• Scientific outreach and dissemination
• Biodiversity monitoring involving local communities
• Ramsar Day and World Wetlands Day celebrations
• Conservation education for local authorities and stakeholders
• Production of educational materials and interpretive resources.
Top three successes
1. Long-term community-based wetland conservation:
More than three decades of successful conservation have maintained the ecological integrity of the wetland complex through strong community participation and integrated governance.
2. Recovery and protection of biodiversity:
The site has maintained one of Madagascar's most important breeding populations of the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle while conserving numerous endemic and migratory wetland species.
3. Sustainable livelihood development:
Community fisheries management, alternative income-generating activities, and habitat restoration have improved local livelihoods while reducing pressure on natural resources.
Top three challenges
1. Long-term community-based wetland conservation:
More than three decades of successful conservation have maintained the ecological integrity of the wetland complex through strong community participation and integrated governance.
2. Recovery and protection of biodiversity:
The site has maintained one of Madagascar's most important breeding populations of the Critically Endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle while conserving numerous endemic and migratory wetland species.
3. Sustainable livelihood development:
Community fisheries management, alternative income-generating activities, and habitat restoration have improved local livelihoods while reducing pressure on natural resources.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Using audio-visual tools;
Visitor centres
Managing / creating habitat
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community
Education and communication
Early years education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools
General
Fund-raising; Project planning.
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