Fishing, traditions and seaweed: the Vezo people’s adaptation to climate challenges in Madagascar

In the heart of Madagascar, the Vezo people, true nomads of the sea, weave their existence around the waves and coastal riches. For centuries, their traditional fishing has shaped their identity, a profound symbiosis with the ocean that surrounds them. But in 2026, like so many other communities around the world, the Vezo are not spared by environmental changes. Faced with the imperative ofclimate adaptation, these intrepid seafarers are exploring new paths, integrating seaweed farming into their ancestral practices. It is a story of resilience, of local know-how passed down from generation to generation, and of an unwavering determination to preserve a unique way of life, while inventing the future. Their stories plunge us into the heart of a daily struggle for survival, where the wisdom of the elders meets the necessity of innovation. We discover how the spirit of the sea continues to guide an entire people through the most daunting challenges, demonstrating that humanity has always found ways to adapt when nature transforms.

Over the years, the delicate balance of their marine ecosystems has been severely tested, threatening the sustainability of their renewable resources. Yet, far from giving up, the Vezo organize, innovate, and share their experiences. They become a vibrant example of how communities can adapt by building on their intrinsic strengths and adopting sustainable solutions. This dynamic is essential for understanding the mechanisms of climate adaptation. which are playing out in vulnerable regions like Madagascar, where every action counts in building a safer future. It is fascinating to see how a people who have always lived on the move continue to adapt, proving the strength of their culture and their ingenuity. It is a life lesson for us all, an invitation to look at the world with fresh eyes. In short:🌊 TheVezo are “sea nomads” in Madagascar, whose lives are centered on

traditional fishing

• . 📜 Their history is linked to the first Austronesians, with deep roots in the marine ecosystemsof the region.
• 🐠 Current environmental changes
• threaten their ancestral practices and their renewable resources . 🌱 Seaweed farming
• is emerging as a new climate adaptation strategy , offering economic opportunities . ⛵️ Thecoastal mobilityof the Vezo, using their outrigger canoes, is crucial for their survival and flexibility in the face of challenges.
• ✨ Local know-how and spiritual traditions play a major role in their resilience and adaptability.
• The Vezo, nomads of the sea: an ancestral heritage facing modern challenges The Vezo people of Madagascar, often called the “nomads of the sea,” represent a true living enigma. Their history is deeply rooted in the ocean waters, where they have always drawn their sustenance. In the past, it was said that they roamed the entire west coast of the large island, following the fish and the seasons, a

coastal mobility

that has remained their hallmark. Today, they are mainly concentrated around the vibrant city of Toliara, extending as far as Morombe. Their way of life is centered on traditional fishing It is a true immersion in history, a heritage that continues to resist the pressures of a constantly evolving world. It is a dynamic and vibrant culture, fascinating to discover. The very name “Vezo” carries within it part of their story. According to linguists, this word comes from Proto-Malayo-Javanese and originally referred to the “people of the seashore.” This origin takes us back to the very first Austronesians who set foot on this incredible island, dividing into two main groups: the Vezo, who embraced coastal and marine life, and the Vazimba, who opted for the interior, hunting and farming in the forests. This fundamental distinction laid the foundation for a distinct culture, where the sea is not only a source of food, but a living, sacred entity that guides their steps and decisions. Their connection is so strong that it can be felt in every gesture, in every tradition. Their history is fascinating, marked by travel and exchange. We are told that the first Austronesian Ntaolo, who are at the origin of the modern Malagasy language and the entire cultural heritage of the island, arrived in their outrigger canoes, boats that are still emblematic of traditional Vezo fishing today. These pioneers imported essential plants such as coconut palms, banana trees, and rice, which became staples of the Malagasy diet. Their arrival in Madagascar, undoubtedly linked to the spice trade and the search for sturdy timber for shipbuilding, anchored the Vezo in a network of maritime exchange that has spanned the ages. One can easily imagine these ancient navigators braving the waves to reach this promised land. Throughout the Middle Ages, the VezoThe west and northwest coasts interacted with various traders from distant lands: Shirazi Persians, Omani Arabs, often accompanied by Bantu from East Africa. These exchanges enriched their culture, language, and practices, creating a unique blend. Yet, despite these external influences, some Vezo, particularly those in the southwest, have managed to preserve their ancestral way of life, the same as that of their distant Austronesian ancestors. This is incredible proof of their resilience and their attachment to their roots. For them, fishing is not just an economic activity; it is a way of being, a way to connect with their ancestors and the spirits of the sea. But today, this heritage faces new challenges. Environmental changes, the depletion of certain sought-after species, and the evolution of global markets are putting considerable pressure on this people. The question of the sustainability of their renewable resources is central to their concerns. The Vezo must navigate between preserving their culture and the need to adapt in order to survive. It’s a delicate dance between the past and the future, where every decision counts. They powerfully demonstrate that one can remain true to one’s origins while embracing new opportunities. It’s a lesson in humanity and tenacity that commands admiration. We clearly see the impact that the climate crisis in Madagascar can have on these populations.

Origins and Migrations: The Austronesian Roots of the Vezo Dive into the Origins of the Vezo It’s like going back in time to the first waves of migration that shaped Madagascar. Thanks to extensive archaeological, genetic, and linguistic research, we can confirm that the Malagasy people have their main roots in the Indonesian archipelago. Imagine these pioneers, the Austronesians, navigating incredible outrigger canoes, the “waka,” crossing thousands of kilometers to reach this distant island. This is the origin of the Malagasy word “vahoaka,” meaning “the people,” but which was originally translated as “those of the canoes” or “people of the sea.” This history is etched in their DNA, in their language, and in every aspect of their culture. It’s an extraordinary maritime epic.

These “Ntaolo,” as oral history calls them, marked the beginning of the settlement of Madagascar. They quickly branched out according to their chosen means of subsistence. On one side, the Vezo , these intrepid fishermen who settled on the coasts, and on the other, the Vazimba, who preferred to settle inland, becoming hunters, gatherers, or farmers. This initial division is fundamental to understanding the unique Vezo way of life, entirely oriented towards the ocean. Their very morphology, with the Asian “epicanthal fold” found in all Malagasy people, is a visual testament to this distant ancestry. It is physical proof of their heritage, connecting us to millennia of history.

The Vezo Like their cousins ​​in the Indonesian and Polynesian archipelagos, they brought with them an invaluable cultural and agricultural wealth. It is thanks to them that we find coconuts, banana trees, taro, and rice in Madagascar today—essential plants that have transformed the island’s landscape and diet. Their funeral customs, too, where the deceased were sometimes placed in canoes and buried in the sea, testify to this profound connection with the aquatic element. This practice, which may seem strange to us, reveals an immense respect for the ocean, considered a passage to the afterlife. We are told that climate refugees in Madagascar may have a new way of seeing the future and their relationship with their environment. Madagascar’s role in trade between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, likely for spices or precious woods like vintana, may have attracted these intrepid navigators. Vintana, a wood ideal for canoes, whose name remains in the vinta of the Bajau, contemporary cousins ​​of the Vezo, demonstrates the continuity of this maritime culture. It is an unbroken lineage of sailors, boat builders, and explorers passed down from generation to generation. Coastal mobility

is not simply a habit for the Vezo; it is an intrinsic component of their identity, a way of life that continues to amaze. Their history is a perfect illustration of the human capacity to adapt and thrive in demanding environments. It is a journey that takes us through time and space, a living testament to the greatness of explorers of yesteryear. The Art of Traditional Vezo Fishing: Practices and Local Know-How Traditional fishing is much more than an economic activity for the
Vezo It is an art, a philosophy, and the central pillar of their identity. For millennia, they have traversed the seas in their iconic outrigger canoes with square sails. These light and agile vessels are the direct descendants of the Austronesian canoes that carried their ancestors as far as Madagascar. They perfectly embody their coastal mobility, allowing them to venture far from their villages, sometimes for more than a week, to hunt prey such as sharks, large fish, or even turtles, whose fishing is now strictly regulated and monitored. This local expertise is impressive, blending observation, intuition, and an encyclopedic knowledge of the ocean. Once brought ashore, the catch is carefully processed. Some of it is sun-dried, an ancestral preservation technique that allows them to store food for leaner times. The other portion is sold fresh to families in villages scattered along the coast, from Tulear to Morombe, their main center. It’s a vibrant economy where local trade is essential. The Toliara Refrigerated Fishing Company, for example, plays a key role by purchasing seafood from over 3,000 Vezo fishermen, providing vital economic support to the community. This company is an important player in the value chain, helping to modernize and stabilize the fishermen’s incomes. It’s proof that tradition can coexist with more contemporary structures.

Vezo Traditions are also steeped in fascinating stories and beliefs. We are told that all the Vezo descend from the mythical union of a single ancestor and a mermaid, a legend that reinforces their sacred connection to the sea. For them, the ocean is not simply a reservoir of resources, but a place inhabited by numerous spirits, including those of drowned people. This spiritual dimension directly influences their fishing practices: it is crucial to catch only what is necessary to meet one’s needs. Exceeding this limit risks offending the sea gods, who might then take revenge by depriving fishermen of fish or causing shipwrecks. It is a delicate balance, a profound respect for nature that resonates particularly today, in the face of environmental changes.

In the past, this nomadic fishing was even more pronounced. Entire families would set sail seasonally, following the schools of fish, and use the sails of their dugout canoes as tents to camp in the dunes. Although this practice has become less common, it testifies to the flexibility and ingenuity of the Vezo people. Their ability to adapt to the changing conditions of the sea and the coast is an example of incredible resilience. Today, faced with the depletion of certain species and the challenges posed by the climate crisis in Madagascar, the Vezo continue to draw on this local know-how to find new solutions. We can learn from their approach to climate resilience and biodiversity. The transmission of this knowledge occurs from generation to generation, from the eldest to the youngest, on the deck of the canoes or at the water’s edge. It is a practical education, where experience is the best teacher. Children learn to read the currents, to feel the wind, to recognize the signs the sea sends them. They develop an intimate understanding of their marine ecosystems, a connection that is vital for the sustainability of their renewable resources. This culture of sharing is what allows the Vezo to maintain their identity while adapting. It is a lesson in humility and connection to nature that resonates strongly in our modern world. The future of their traditional fishing will depend on their ability to innovate without ever denying their roots. One can almost smell the salt and feel the energy of the sea. Outrigger canoes: emblems of Vezo coastal mobilityOutrigger canoes are not just simple boats for the Vezo; They are an extension of their being, the most visible symbol of their identity and their incredible coastal mobility. These elegant and functional boats are the product of ancestral local know-how, passed down from father to son for millennia. We are told that they are the direct descendants of the “waka,” the Austronesian canoes that allowed their distant ancestors to reach Madagascar. Built with remarkable precision, often from local woods, they are designed to brave the sometimes turbulent waters of the Mozambique Channel, but also to navigate lightly in the shallow lagoons. They represent the very essence of their freedom and their ability to live in harmony with the sea. They are a masterpiece of simple and effective engineering.

Each element of the dugout canoe has an essential function. The outrigger, which gives the boat its name, ensures crucial stability, allowing fishermen to venture out to sea safely. The square sail, often made of cotton or recycled materials, captures the wind with surprising efficiency, propelling the canoe to impressive speeds. Vezo fishermen are true masters of sailing, able to read the wind and currents with unparalleled intuition. This expertise is vital, as it allows them to maximize their catches and return to port, even after long periods at sea. We’ve seen reports about these voyages; what they accomplish is truly incredible. Here are some of the key characteristics of these canoes: 🛶 Handcrafted Construction: Each canoe is a unique piece, often handcrafted using ancestral techniques and local materials.

💨 Square sail: Allows for efficient and fast sailing, making the most of coastal winds.

⚖️ Outrigger: Essential for stability, it makes these boats unique and recognizable. 🌍 Adaptability:Designed for both the open sea and shallow lagoons, they illustrate the flexibility of traditional Vezo fishing. 🤝

Tool for life:

More than just a boat, it’s a means of subsistence, a temporary home, and a link to their ancestors. These canoes are not only tools of the trade; they are also the heart of the social and spiritual life of the Vezo. It is aboard these boats that children learn the basics of fishing and navigation, that stories are told, and that rituals are sometimes performed before going out to sea. They symbolize the strength of the community and its dependence on the ocean. The maintenance and repair of the canoes are collective tasks, strengthening social bonds and the sharing of skills. Faced with environmental changes and the challenges of the climate crisis in Madagascar, the outrigger canoe remains a central element of their climate adaptation. It offers them the flexibility to move and seek new fishing grounds if renewable resources diminish in their usual area. It is a living testament to the capacity for innovation and adaptation of a people. One cannot help but admire such ingenuity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3SCHzZ97g Seaweed, a New Resource: Diversification and Climate AdaptationFaced with the growing challenges posed by environmental changes, the Vezo people are not giving up. On the contrary, they are exploring new avenues to diversify their sources of income and strengthen their climate adaptation. One promising solution that has emerged in recent years is seaweed farming. This is not just a new economic activity; it is a smart strategy that fits perfectly with their local expertise and their respect for marine ecosystems. Seaweed farming offers an alternative or complement to traditional fishing, which is increasingly impacted by overfishing and climate change. It is a proactive approach, proof of their ingenuity and their determination to build a sustainable future. Entire communities are investing in this field.

Seaweed farming Seaweed farming, or algaculture, offers numerous advantages. First, it helps alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks, thus contributing to the regeneration of marine renewable resources. Second, it represents a stable source of income, less dependent on the vagaries of the weather or fluctuations in fish prices. Cultivated seaweed in Madagascar, such as Kappaphycus alvarezii, is exported to Asian and European markets where it is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This is a rapidly growing market, offering promising prospects for coastal communities. Such innovative solutions arising from traditional practices are not always expected. Women play a particularly active role in this new economy. Sitting in shallow water, they meticulously attach young seaweed shoots to ropes that will later be submerged. It is a task that requires patience and precision, and one that integrates seamlessly into the daily life of the villages. This activity strengthens their financial independence and their role within the community. Algae aquaculture does not require large infrastructure and can be implemented with simple means, making it accessible to Vezo communities. It is a smart way to utilize local resources without depleting them and to build resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis. It could even be considered a form of sustainable development. But the transition is not without its challenges. It is essential to ensure that algae farming practices are themselves sustainable and do not negatively affect other marine ecosystems. such as coral reefs or seagrass meadows. Training and market access are also crucial for the success of these initiatives. Non-governmental organizations and international partners are working alongside the Vezo communities to support them in this endeavor, providing them with the necessary expertise and resources. This is a concrete example of Franco-Malagasy climate cooperation bearing fruit on the ground. The goal is to create a model that can be replicated elsewhere, thus contributing to broader climate adaptation in vulnerable coastal areas. It is a long-term undertaking, but essential for the future. The integration of seaweed into the local economy is a striking demonstration of the Vezo people’s ability to innovate while remaining true to their marine roots. It is an important step towards a more resilient and sustainable blue economy, where people and nature can thrive together. This approach shows that traditional communities often hold the keys to climate adaptation, as they possess an intimate understanding of their environment. It is essential to value and support this local know-how, as it represents an invaluable asset for the future of the planet. We are truly impressed by their ability to reinvent themselves. Comparison: Traditional Fishing vs. Seaweed Farming
Explore the key differences and opportunities offered by ancestral Vezo fishing and seaweed farming, an innovative adaptation pathway to climate challenges in Madagascar.

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