August 20, 2024The Madagascar Whale Shark Project foundation and the Cétamada association, mandated by the Ministry of Tourism, have organised a new operator training course format, with the aim of promoting the responsible observation of marine megafauna as well as regulating marine tourism.
This year, we’ve opted for a brand new format, with 3 modules spread over the season:
- MODULE 1: Discovery of the Nosy Be marine ecosystem, global overview of whale shark tourism and presentation of the inter-ministerial decree and the codes of conduct.
- MODULE 2: Introduction to first aid and water rescue.
- MODULE 3: Practical day at sea on how to approach whale sharks responsibly.
So far we have already completed the two first modules. It was a great success, with around a hundred participants spread across the 5 training locations in the region: Ambatoloaka – Nosy Sakatia – Nosy Komba – Shanty Beach – Andilana.
We have now completed modules 1 and 2. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback on the training format, which includes discussions and exchanges between users of the sea, scientific knowledge, various role-playing exercises and activities designed to change practices and behaviour on the water in favour of protecting marine mammals, especially the whale shark.
A second wave of training will take place soon, to include those who couldn’t make it at the previous sessions, and to train as many people as possible. The third module will take place in September. We hope thanks to these efforts, this year will mark a new era for whale shark tourism in Nosy Be as the first country in Africa and the Indian Ocean to have a law governing whale shark tourism!
We thank all our partners for their help and support : Action Solidarité Pompiers de Théoule – Hôtel Corail Noir – Hôtel Restaurant Maison Carré.