The west coast of Madagascar boasts the largest and most intact stretches of mangrove forests in the WIO region. These forests are home to endangered endemic birds and provide shelter and breeding grounds for marine species that are critically important to local livelihoods. Mangroves also serve key ecological functions, from protecting coastlines to maintaining water quality. Despite their importance, large swaths of mangrove area have been lost, and these ecosystems remain underrepresented within the Madagascar protected area system.
 
Indeed, the Tsiribihina-Manambolo mangroves area has been identified as a WWF priority landscape.
To preserve this area, WWF implement a landscape conservation programme which aims to establish an effective community-based natural resources management, and to improve traditional fisheries. These objectives contribute to the regional vision of conserving biodiversity by promoting sustainable use that benefits communities.

Under the supervision of the Manambolo Tsiribihina Mangroves Landscape Leader, the Volunteers will have the main function to support the implementation of measures to manage natural resources (especially mangroves and its associated resources), and to improve the livelihoods of local communities in the areas of intervention of WWF. They will contribute to ensure accountability and integration of communities and local authorities in the process of sustainable natural resource management and integrated development. They will be under the supervision of the Landscape Technical Officer of Maintirano, and will work with the Social Organizer on the ground.