The contribution of tourism in protected areas to the national economy is estimated between 42-174 million USD/year by the study on the economic contribution of protected areas, produced by FAPBM&MNP on 2022. 68% of tourists aim to visit at least one protected area to discover the endemic and Madagascar exceptional fauna and flora. Indeed, protected areas do attract more tourists; this is what the monitoring and evaluation and internal control missions have observed. Serge Ratsirahonana and Evah Ralalarisoa have conducted during the last quarter of the year visits to Lokobe and Ankivonjy (Northern Madagascar, DIANA Region).
Lokobe, for a walk in the forest
In Lokobe, Madagascar national Parks, the protected area manager, continues to maintain the tourist circuits. The accessibility of these circuits prevents tourists from the need to use a guide’s service. The forest of Lokobe shelters remarkable species particularly the Eulemur macaco, which can be seen as of the arrival at the reception office.
The protected area is in a relatively good state of conservation. Could it be because Queen Soanaomby initiated thepreservation of the Lokobe forest? Could it be that King Andriamaitso was buried there, thus giving a sacred and taboo character to the forest: “Ala fady”, the first connotation of protected area during the royalty periods? Story to be discovered on site.
Ankivonjy, for the white beaches
Managed by WCS, Ankivonjy presents a substantial landscape value. It shelters a complex of several islands, site ofturtles’ laying eggs. The protected area consists of several islands including the famous Nosy Iranja with its two islets Iranja Kely and Iranja Be connected by a white sand bank, exposed at low tide.
To get off the beaten track, the manager invites you to visit the village of Marohariva. Here, tourism services areprovided by the local communities, who have previously received training in foreign language and guiding techniques. It even offers a basic accommodation facility for an authentic experience.
While monitoring and evaluation missions focus on the implementation of work plan activities and their impact on biodiversity, management effectiveness and communities, internal control addresses the effectiveness of the funding granted and the progress of the implementation of activities in the protected areas. This monitoring is complementary and ensures that FAPBM funding contributes to the impacts it seeks.
