By Nicola Winter
Most of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) are avoided or overlooked by tourists. However, tourism can make valuable contributions to the economic growth of a country, and many LDCs have amazing things to offer their visitors. For those who wish to help make a difference in the world, there are great options for adventure and relaxation all while helping a developing country’s economy grow in a sustainable and eco-friendly fashion.
This Week: Madagascar
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| Madagascar is located off the southeastern coast of Africa. (Photo credit: Creative Commons) |
Impact on economic development
In a 2006 article on Madagascar’s conservation, green development, and environmental mismanagement in Bioscience magazine, author Scott Norris wrote “nature based tourism may offer the greatest promise as a sustainable driver of biodiversity protection.” In the past, Madagascar has greatly misused and exploited its natural resources in detrimental ways. Slash and burn agriculture has contributed to the loss of over 90 percent of Madagascar’s original forest cover. Tourism can provide a sustainable alternative way to earn a living, and reinforce the continued expansion and protection of environmental conservation areas.
Norris’s article continued to say that Madagascar’s protected areas offer a “range of opportunities from employment in reserve management to revenue generating activities such as sustainable harvesting and ecotourism.” A World Bank Study supports this notion that “protected areas are economic assets for the country,” because they bring in outside funding for biodiversity protection, ecotourism revenues, and the construction and maintenance of projects related to provision of water. Tourism is essential in increasing the value and protection levels of Madagascar’s reserves, and in helping prove than the preservation of its environment is more profitable than its destruction.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, last year the tourism industry contributed 10.4 percent, or more than $1 billion, to Madagascar’s GDP, accounted for 363,000 jobs (8.3 percent of its total employment), and 28.1 percent, or nearly $600 million, of total exports. Though exports from tourism are expected to decrease to 22.3 percent in the next 10 years, GDP contribution is expected to grow to 11.2 percent or $1.65 billion, and resulting employment should increase by 8.9 percent to 510,000 jobs.
Why you should go
Madagascar is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, with 98 percent of its land mammals being unique to the islands. Ecological tourism is the main attraction of Madagascar. Reserves such as Anja and Ranomafana are the only place in the world you can see animals such as lemurs in the wild. The national park of Masoala is the country’s largest and most biodiverse reserve. Covering an entire peninsula, the park extends down to the ocean, offering a chance to view sea life as well. The vegetation on Madagascar is just as diverse and rare as its wildlife, with about 80 percent of its plants found nowhere else in the world. Avenue de Baobab in the western region is a dirt road lined with baobab trees. A walk or bike ride down this path is a great way to see this amazing landscape. Andilana and Ifaty are just two of the superb beaches that this island has to offer. Sainte Marie is a small beach island just off the coast that is home to many clove plantations and Madagascar’s oldest church. The island was once a haven for pirates, and authentic sunken pirate ships can be explored in the shallow waters. From snorkeling and whale watching to just enjoying deserted white sand beaches, Madagascar’s coast offers something for everyone. The landscape surrounding the secluded town of Ampefy in the central region of Madagascar is riddled with stunning waterfalls and reminisces of volcanic activity such as lakes and old volcanic craters.
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| Avenue de Baobab at sunset. (Photo credit: Creative Commons.) |
Recommendations
Being a responsible traveler is key to aiding development. Here are a few recommendations on travel companies, hotels, guide groups, and other travel aids that focus on sustainable tourism through being eco-friendly, and operating in synch with local communities to raise living standards while preserving local culture.
Kepri
Since its founding in 2004, Kepri has offered tours in may different countries, with four main goals in mind: discover nature without destroying it, meet local communities, have fun and relax, and participate in positive impact activities. In Madagascar, Kepri helps to fund mainly community development and environmental protection projects. They offer standard tours, with preset departure dates and destinations, or you can create your own. Their Website also does an impressive job outlining the positive impact their company helps create.
Website: http://www.kepri.com/
Blue Ventures
This is a marine conservation organization that accepts “volunteers” to come help conduct research of marine life alongside locally based researchers. While “volunteering” costs money, all food and lodging is included, and you do not have to be a certified diver, as training is available on site. People of all ages participate, from 18 to 70, and it is a great way to explore Madagascar’s marine life, aid in conservation efforts, and learn a lot along the way. Blue Ventures has won awards, such as “one of the world’s top adventure trips” from National Geographic, as well recognition for their conservation efforts.
Website: http://www.blueventures.org/
Azafady
Azafady was awarded “best volunteer organization” by Virgin Travels Responsible Tourism Awards. Volunteers can go and work on a variety of projects aimed at alleviating poverty, preserving the environment, and creating sustainable livelihoods. Opportunities are available to volunteer in over 80 rural communities or in the town of Fort Dauphin. Volunteers live at campsites (except in Fort Dauphin), and all meals and transportation is provided. Outings and trips are also arranged for volunteers so that in their spare time they can explore all different aspects of Madagascar.
Website: http://www.madagascar.co.uk/index.htm
Safety
Madagascar experienced some political unrest in the beginning of 2009. This has since died down, and there are no warnings against travel, though political demonstrations and mass gatherings should be avoided. Travelers are at risk of malaria and typhoid fever, so precautionary measures should be taken. A visa is required for entry.
For more information on safety, visit;
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_957.html
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/madagascar.aspx
For more general information about visiting Madagascar, please see the following sites:
http://www.madagascarconsulate.org.za/info.html
http://www.travel2mada.com/
http://www.conservation.org/explore/africa_madagascar/madagascar/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.madagascarhotel-link.com/
