Irene Lavallenn

Malagasy marine biologist who pioneered coral reef conservation in the Indian Ocean

Irene Lavallenn (b. 1968) is a trailblazing Malagasy marine biologist known for her groundbreaking work in coral reef conservation. Based in Madagascar, she co-founded the Coral Alliance in 1997, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Indian Ocean's coral ecosystems. Her research revealed how climate change and overfishing threaten Madagascar's reefs, which are critical for coastal communities' livelihoods.

Lavallenn developed innovative methods to cultivate coral fragments in nurseries, restoring degraded reefs at rates exceeding natural recovery. Her community-based approach trains local fishermen to become reef stewards, creating sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism. She also pioneered the use of traditional ecological knowledge alongside modern science, bridging cultural and technical divides.

Her work has influenced policies in Comoros, Seychelles, and Mauritius. Lavallenn's book 《Coral Reefs of the Western Indian Ocean》 (2005) remains a seminal text. Despite limited international recognition, her efforts have preserved over 10,000 hectares of reef habitats. Organizations like UNESCO now cite her models for global reef conservation strategies. Lavallenn embodies the intersection of science, community action, and cultural preservation in environmental stewardship.