Haki Za Wanatsa Field Notes – First Encounters around the Lagoon

Oriane's talking about Marine Natural Park of Mayotte

A first day dedicated to meeting people rather than diving.
Community groups, the Marine Park team, educators… all sharing their projects and their hopes for Mayotte’s lagoon.
It was the beginning of a conversation that can only grow stronger.

Présentation of préservation seaturtle Project

The Moment
​These opening hours were not about field measurements or underwater footage yet. They were about listening and exchanging.
Each selected initiative introduced its approach and vision — a moment to discover common ground.

Perinne is talking about the 9 sélected project for this year.

The People
​Among the participants, the educators of Haki Za Wanatsa (“Rights of the Children” in Shimaoré) reminded everyone that protecting the lagoon also means investing in the future of Mayotte’s youth.
We could already feel emerging synergies — science, education, civic engagement — usually kept apart but, for a day, sitting at the same table.

Philippe's taking some note to create some network with other members for Haki Za Wanatsa project

What We Take
​AwayThis first meeting showed that there is no conservation without dialogue… nor without networks and a shared will.
Everyone can contribute at the local level, without waiting for everything to come from the State.
That sense of collective agency is crucial here in Mayotte: the lagoon’s future depends on the willingness of many to work together.
It is encouraging to see connections forming and a common hope taking shape — to offer the younger generation a living, responsible relationship with their island and its ocean.

Creating networking projects to inspire others, but also to show we are strongers together for the planet

Follow the Journey
This post opens a series of Field Notes following the project step by step --
from the first coral-health surveys to the dives and experiences of the Lagoon Ambassadors.
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Next chapter: heading back to the water for the first field survey of the coral reefs.

Chapter 2 – The Next Generation →