Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 2.1 MAP's tourism development indicators
2005
2012
Revenue generated by the tourist sector (millions US$)
184
577
Number of direct jobs created within the sector of tourism
21,167
40,100
Number of tourists visiting Madagascar
150,000
500,000
Source : MAP, 2006
Arabian and European influences. The Malagasy highland tribes (Merina) were
colonized by the French who introduced a communist system. Subtle tensions
between the Malagasy people from the highland region and those from the coastal
region has complicated the development of the country. Malagasy culture is
characterized by its great pacifism and is driven by the idea of 'fihavanana', or
harmony, which makes it necessary for all stakeholders to discuss and agree on
each decision. Decisions take time and much energy with this system. The
Malagasy communication style follows the 'fihavanana'-approach which means
that overly direct or loud discussions are avoided (Dahl, 1999).
A greater awareness of tavy culture and the integration of the local population
into tourism development is desperately needed. Currently only a small propor-
tion of the Malagasy people profit from tourism development and this tends to be
those who are already wealthy. The majority of the population have seen no
advantages from tourism development. Instead of destroying their natural
resource base in the medium term, it should be used for sustainable exploitation
such as ecotourism development.
In order to integrate the Malagasy people in tourism development, it is impor-
tant to be aware of the traditional belief systems, which have been augmented by
imported organized religions. A firm belief in the existence of close ties between
the living and the dead constitutes the most basic of all traditional beliefs and the
foundation for Malagasy religious and social values.
Everyday life in rural Madagascar is regulated by numerous fady (taboos)
which vary from one region to another. Fady can forbid foods (pork, lemur, turtle,
etc.), wearing clothes of a particular colour, and bathing in a river or a lake. There
are also some sacred places or sites on the island that are fady because people
believe that some spirits of the ancestors are living there and they offer sacrifices
such as zebu and red chicken. Whether as investors, developers, consultants or
tourists, it is important to respect these prohibitions so as not to offend local
people, even if the foundation of the belief is sometimes debatable.Visitors should
inform themselves about local fady before travelling to a new place.
Summary and outlook
As a unique biodiversity hotspot and cultural destination, Madagascar has great
resources to offer the crowded tourism market. The illustrated indicators defined
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