Vatosoa Rakotondrazafy is a leading Malagasy conservationist and ocean governance specialist dedicated to advancing community-led approaches to marine resource management. She currently serves as Regional Coastal and Ocean Governance Manager at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), where she supports initiatives that strengthen sustainable ocean governance across Africa.

With a strong focus on empowering small-scale fishers, Vatosoa previously served as National Coordinator of the MIHARI Network, Madagascar’s locally managed marine area network. Under her leadership, the network grew to represent hundreds of community associations and nearly half a million fishers, advocating for inclusive, community-driven conservation solutions.

Her work centres on bridging local knowledge and policy to improve marine and coastal resource management, while promoting the rights and voices of coastal communities. She is also the founder of BEOLOBE, a platform that connects and mobilises support for community-led conservation initiatives across Madagascar.

Vatosoa is a recipient of the prestigious Whitley Award (2019) and was recognised among the Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders in 2021, reflecting her impact in advancing sustainable and inclusive ocean governance.