Advancing Ocean Accounting from Madagascar to the Global Stage
The OASIS-M team (Ocean Accounting in Support of Sustainable Ocean Planning for Madagascar), led by the Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IH.SM) at the University of Toliara, recently participated in the South-South Ocean Accounting Exchange in Bogor, contributing to international dialogue on advancing ocean accounting in data-limited marine contexts.
During this exchange, the Malagasy delegation engaged in several technical sessions and dedicated clinics, which provided valuable opportunities to strengthen capacities, refine methodologies, and work directly on national datasets. These hands-on sessions were instrumental in improving data integration, analysis, and the overall structuring of ocean accounts.
The OASIS-M project focuses on developing ecosystem extent and condition accounts for coral reef systems in southwest Madagascar, from Morombe to Ambohibola. It combines satellite remote sensing (Sentinel-2), field validation, and local knowledge within the SEEA Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) framework. By organizing ecological, spatial, and socio-economic data into coherent ocean accounts, the project contributes to building a robust scientific foundation for evidence-based decision-making, supporting marine spatial planning, fisheries management, and sustainable blue economy strategies.
This work is of strategic importance for Madagascar, as it strengthens national capacity, enhances the visibility of marine natural capital in policy processes, and reinforces the critical link between science and policy in the governance of marine ecosystems.
As part of the event, IH.SM contributed to two key sessions. Prof. Gildas Todinanahary participated as a speaker in the keynote session on The Role of Academia in Developing Ocean Accounts, highlighting the central role of academic institutions in producing new data, ensuring long-term capacity building, and supporting the institutionalization of ocean accounting. In parallel, the OASIS-M fellowship program was featured in the Ocean Accounts Fellowship Showcase, where Dr Tiava Nandrasa presented initial research outputs and demonstrated how the program contributes to national priorities while developing transferable approaches for ocean accounting across regions.
Building on this momentum, the first results and initial insights from Madagascar’s ocean accounts will be presented during a dedicated special session at the upcoming international conference of the Ocean Week in Toliara. This milestone will mark an important step in translating scientific work into policy-relevant knowledge and strengthening the role of ocean accounting in national decision-making processes.
Through these achievements, OASIS-M reinforces Madagascar’s position as an emerging leader in ocean accounting in the Western Indian Ocean, demonstrating how integrated, science-based approaches can support more sustainable, informed, and resilient marine governance.
