Ecotourism in Madagascar - Responsible Tourism: Critical Issues for Conservation and Development - page 25

Fanamby, Boogie Pilgrim and 13 local communities came together in their
desire to establish an ecotourism project in Anjozorobe, 90km north-east of
Madagascar's capital Antananarivo. The forest corridor there (125,000ha includ-
ing primary forest) has the highest biodiversity level in this region with 11 species
of lemurs, 82 species of bird and 423 species of plants. Comprising local commu-
nities land and Boogie Pilgrim's managers' privately owned territory 'Domaine de
Croix Vallon', the 'SOA Camp' was established in 2002 and extended to the
'Mananara Lodge' in 2007. This ecotourism project tries to conserve the biodi-
versity around the lodge by providing the local population with sources of income
and tries to stop the ongoing deforestation and burning of the forest by creating
employment through the lodge's activities (guiding, tourism services, kitchen),
establishing educational activities (a training programme for guides, green classes
for local schools, tree planting activities) and supporting mini-projects of local
inhabitants (agricultural projects, pisciculture, honey production). Tourists'
money is spent to support this project. Boogie Pilgrim's partner, Fanamby,
ensures holistic integration (vertical: administration-organism-community and
horizontal: intercommunal relations) and further economic promotion for the
local people by extending the ecotourism project into other surrounding regions.
Fanamby emphasizes a scientific approach and has created a biodiversity infor-
mation system for all stakeholders concerned, including the international donor
community. For this project, Boogie Pilgrim was awarded with the 'Sustainable
Tourism Award for Tour Operators' of 'Deutsche Reiseveranstalter-Verbund'
(German Association of Tour and Travel Agents) in 2005.
Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa, Bungalows de Vohilava
and Megaptera, Ste. Marie Island
Each year, between July and September, Ste. Marie Island, situated in the East of
Madagascar, provides an important refuge for the humpback whales that come
to give birth. The hotels, Princesse Bora Lodge and Spa and Bungalows de
Vohilava, have established a partnership with the international whale protection
association, Megaptera, giving tourists the opportunity to take part in scientific
whale observation. Megaptera's scientific station is installed at Princesse Bora
Lodge and tourists leave by boat to see the whales, accompanied by scientists
and volunteers. In addition to learning about marine ecology, tourists are
integrated into the research activities. They can be involved in locating whales,
taking pictures, listening to males with a hydrophone or recording the position of
a group of whales. The data collected (sounds, behaviour and descriptions) are
added to existing data.These trips, paid for by tourists, help to finance additional
scientific expeditions. A part of the revenue from these trips is given to
Megaptera as a voluntary donation. In addition to the scientific work undertaken
at sea, both hotels hold conferences and present films on behavioural and ecolog-
ical topics concerning sea mammals (their characteristics, ways of life, threats to
their preservation, as well as potential solutions and efforts being made for their
protection).