Initiatives Océanes 2017 - Vatomandry

Initiatives Océanes 2017, organized by the NGO JADE in collaboration with the NGO Surfrider Foundation, Varecia and Ajira, took place on March 24, 2017 on the municipal beach of Vatomandry, Madagascar. The project aimed to raise awareness among the youth of the city of Vatomandry about the harmful effects of non-biodegradable waste on the coastline and to clean part of the municipal beach in order to restore it to its natural state. Several schools in the city of Vatomandry were asked to make available at least one class per institution for the audiovisual campaign on the harmful effects of "water plastification." About 125 people took part in the event, including about a hundred high school and middle school students from the city of Vatomandry. During the event, about 1.5 cubic meters of non-biodegradable waste were collected, 85-90% of which was plastic.

The Initiatives Océanes 2017 project was a success, largely thanks to the participation of high school and middle school students from the city of Vatomandry, as well as associations such as Varecia and Ajira. About 500 meters of beach and waterfront were cleaned, leaving behind wood and other biodegradable waste. The cost of the project for the NGO JADE amounted to about 964,800 MGA, or about 284 €, to cover the project's logistical and communication needs. The positive effects of the project will be felt by the residents and tourists who share this place together.