Madagascar and You - Madagascar - page 224

Madagascar's coastal environments comprise some of the most ecologically sensitive
areas of the country. Visitors should be aware of the intrinsic effect that their presence
andactivitieswillhaveonlocalhabitatsandplantheirholidayinawaythatminimises
impact on the environment.
When trekking, try to avoid sensitive habitats and vegetation types, reducing the
impact of your movement and access to and from campsites. All waste should be sor-
ted and disposed of sensibly. In arid environments such as the southwest, keep fresh-
water use to a minimum.
Swimmers, snorkellers and divers should avoid all physical contact with corals and
other marine life. Divers should take care to avoid damaging reefs by maintaining
good buoyancy control to avoid accidental contact or stirring up sediment.
In coastal hotels and restaurants, seafood is commonly caught to order, regardless
of the sustainability of the catch. In some tourist areas it is not uncommon to see crit-
ically endangered species such as the humphead or Napoleon wrasse served up in a
restaurant kitchen. Shellfish should not be bought out of season, since this can have
devastating consequences on populations.
The marine curios trade is equally driven by tourism and visitors must refrain from
purchasing shells. In Toliara alone, almost 150 species of gastropods are exploited for
theornamentalshelltrade.Severalofthese-notablythemagnificenthelmetshelland
the cowries - are now threatened with extinction. Similarly, the exploitation of sea
turtles is increasingly focused at the tourist market, turtle shells now fetching stagger-
ing prices in markets and bijouteries .
'It is perfectly acceptable to give a gift of money in return for help. Gifts of cash are not
seen by the Malagasy as purchases and they themselves frequently give them. Rather, you
giveasasignofyourappreciationandrespect.Butbewareofthosewhomaytrytotakead-
vantage of your position as a foreigner (and you may find these in even the remotest spot),
those who play on your lack of knowledge of language and custom, and their perception of
you as extremely wealthy (as of course you are by their standards).'
Valerie and John Middleton, who have travelled more adventurously and successfully in
Madagascar than anyone else I know, add this advice: 'In three long visits to Madagascar
wehaveneverhadabadexperience.Wehave,however,notedseveralpeoplewhohavenot
fared so well and feel that we could pass on some advice for anyone wanting to go off the
beaten path.
'To prevent misunderstanding always take a guide with you at least for communication
as many isolated peoples speak only Malagasy. Always introduce yourself to the local
président and explain why you are in his village or passing through; you will never cease
to be amazed at how helpful they wish to be once your purpose is understood and perhaps