Tommy Trenchard/Panos Pictures

Edmond (55) has single-handedly planted more than 700 mangrove saplings around his village in the Bay of Assassins. He is also responsible for enforcing the Velondriake Association's regulations for the mangroves, such as which areas are off limits to certain types of fishing or cutting down. 'So many species need the mangroves. The juveniles live here before going out to sea, so if you protect the mangroves you are also helping to protect the ocean'. [This photo story was shot as a collaboration between Tommy Trenchard and Aurelie Marrier d'Unienville]