WIO-COMPAS Expands Its Francophone Reach in Mauritius Certification Event
Date: 1–4 August 2024
Location: Mauritius | Language: French
Organised by: WIOMSA & Varuna
Supported by: Blue Nature Alliance, Expertise France, AFD (Agence Française de Développement)
Empowering MPA Professionals in the Western Indian Ocean
The WIO-COMPAS programme continues to strengthen marine conservation leadership in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Its latest competence-based certification event brought together passionate marine professionals from Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros.
A Milestone for French-speaking Marine Professionals
To support the increasing number of Francophone candidates, a two-day assessor training workshop was held before the certification event. This step enhances the pool of French-speaking assessors, ensuring inclusive and effective assessments across the region.
“We’re proud to see the WIO-COMPAS programme growing in accessibility, relevance, and regional ownership.”
— WIOMSA Secretariat
Event Overview
Total Applications:
- Level 1: 13 applications → 10 accepted
- Level 2: 5 applications → all accepted
Simulation Exercise:
A boat and beach patrol was conducted at Blue Bay Marine Park, led by Dr. Nazeem Nazurally (University of Mauritius), offering candidates a chance to demonstrate their real-world competence.
Certified MPA PROs – August 2024 Cohort
Level 1 – Marine Field Operations
Aly Fatoumah – Blue Ventures
Fanantena Ramasindraibe – Blue Ventures
Franco Andrianantenaina – Blue Ventures
Andy Louis – Southeast Marine Protected Area (SEMPA)
Shazelle Julie – Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority
Anrifiddine Ousseni – Agence des Aires Protégées des Comores
Dario Steano Jean – Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority
Roland Quatre – Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority
Level 2 – Site Management
Housseni Houssoyni – Programme Renforcement de la Protection des Océan aux Comores
Herve Rahoasa – MIHARI Network
Jean Andriamampionana – Blue Ventures
This brings the total number of certified MPA PROs in the WIO region to 149.
WIO-COMPAS: Certification That Counts
WIO-COMPAS continues to certify MPA professionals not based on attendance or training hours — but on proven field performance, ethical conduct, and regional standards of excellence.
Each certification empowers professionals to:
- Lead with confidence
- Manage MPAs effectively
- Represent their institutions at the highest levels
