Lalao Aigrette (PhD in Marine Biology) works at Bondy International as the Director of the Blue Economy department Her deep commitment to conservation has earned her the recognition as an IUCN Natural-born Heroine for her exceptional work in Madagascar. With over two decades of experience collaborating with local coastal communities, Lalao has been a driving force in advocating for nature and human rights-based approaches to the sustainable management of mangrove forests — a vital yet vulnerable ecosystem. One of her most significant achievements is the successful validation of Madagascar’s first community-led mangrove carbon conservation and sequestration project, which came to fruition after years of grassroots efforts. As a fellow of the Women for the Environment in Africa program, Lalao is dedicated to enhancing women’s participation and empowerment in community conservation, reflecting their crucial socio-economic roles within their communities.