Project of hiking and promotion ecotourism in the Southeast region of Madagascar WWF MWIOPO

Transcription

1 2010 Project of hiking and promotion ecotourism in the Southeast region of Madagascar WWF MWIOPO 1

2 Ecotourism Brochure: Hiking the Vondrozo Forest Corridor Madagascar, Ecological Heritage To most travelers, the name Madagascar recalls an island internationally acclaimed for exceptional natural wonders and biodiversity. Madagascar is home to one quarter of the world s primate species, lemurs, and is the fourth richest nation on the globe in terms of amphibians and reptiles; additionally, some 90% of its plant species are endemic. The island s abundant cultural wealth is made up of a welcoming population boasting a mélange of African and Asian origins. Madagascar is a dream destination for travelers. Though off the beaten path, the island nonetheless offers a host of different opportunities for touristic pursuits from white sand beaches to highland ricefields, to eastern rainforests and southern spiny forests. The island is home to the third largest coral reef system in the world, located off the coast of the southwestern city of Toliara and also supports an extensive network of regional and national parks, six of which are classified as UNESCO world heritage sites 1. As a result of the country s rich biodiversity and unique biogeography, the World Wide Fund has named Madagascar among its top 35 world conservation priorities. WWF, an internationally renowned leader in community forest development, strives to preserve and protect the existing natural heritage of Madagascar, as well as restore its previously impacted environments. WWF hopes to provide the Malagasy people with the benefits of sustainable development, while at the same time safeguarding the country s unique ecological patrimony for the next generation. The Ecoregion Ala Atsinanana ( The Eastern Forest ) extends north to south along the eastern coast of Madagascar, but only 3,115,550 ha of the original 31,300,000 ha of forest remain. There region is still largely unexplored and poses rich potential for unforeseen medical and scientific pursuits. More specifically, the varied plantlife holds enormous possibility for pharmaceutical extraction. Ecologically, the region supports some 50 species of endemic mammal alone, including several lemur species which have been only recently discovered (Microcebus lehilahy tsara in 2005). The preservation of the Malagasy Eastern Rainforest thus offers the opportunity to preserve currently underappreciated ecological and socio-economic ecosystem services.. The Vondrozo Forest Corridor serves as a biological bridge connecting the Vondrozo Forest Reserve (18000 ha) with the Special Reserve of Ivohibe Peak (3145 ha). It supports some 65 families of plants, 7 distinct species of lemur, 60 species of bird, and 32 unique species of amphibian. 1 The six protected areas of Marojejy, Anjanaharibe-sud, Zahamena, Andringintra, Ranomafana, Andohahela, classified in june

3 An exceptional ecoregion to discover COBA and community management of the forest Uniting environmental protection with sustainable development, WWF supports the transfer of management rights from the Malagasy government to the local COBAs, or communities in the forest corridor. WWF s holistic conservation strategy address both the ecological conservation of plants and animals, as well as the socioeconomic livelihoods of the people who fish, hunt, and extract wood for cooking and construction in the eastern forest Madagascar is home to seven distinct ecoregions 2, including the rainforest ecoregion encompassed by Ala Atsinanana, which scientists cite as the country s most important biodiversity refuge. The Ala Atsinanana includes both primary and secondary rainforest, characterized by abundant vegetation, a moist climate, and high rates of endemicity in the breathtaking flora and fauna. In a country with a pronounced dry season and frequent draughts, the forest is also a vital source of water; by maintaining the integrity of the watershed ecosystem, the remaining eastern rainforest offers an important service to the local human populations. In the face of the widespread human destruction of the majority of Madagascar s original rainforest, the Vondrozo Forest Corridor remains a largely intact ecosystem, stretching 70 km long by 10 km wide from the northeastern High Plateau city of Fandriana to the Eastern coastal settlement of Vondrozo. This zone, officially called the Fandriana-Vondrozo Corridor, links preexisting protected areas of the Ala Atsimo Atsinanana (Southeastern Forest); the relative health of the existing ecosystem is a result of a decade of conservation efforts motivated by WWF and carried out by the local COBA 3 settlements. The World Wide Fund raises awareness of environmental protection in the Southeast through educational outreach sessions which teach the tenets of a sustainable lifestyle. Waterfall Tsiazomboro, Antaninary 2 Ecoregion : a particular biogeographic region, characterized by distinct biological and geographic elements. 3 Communauté de base, village communities which, in partnership with WWF, are assigned the tasks of reforestation and sustainable management in the Malagasy rainforest region 3

4 WWF tries to act as a technical and logistical support system for COBAs carrying out responsible community forest management in the corridor; to meet this goal, WWF encourages independent efforts towards development amongst the rural populations, most notably through the establishment of women s groups and the cultivation of revenue-generating products, such as vegetables and honey. Tourism represents one potentially autonomy-enabling activity in the eastern rainforest; however, in keeping with the spirit of preservation, the World Wide Fund hopes to promote a responsible, ethical, ecological form of eco-tourism in the Vondrozo Forest Corridor. For those of you with travel dreams and an environmental conscience, don t hesitate a second longer! The natural wonders of Madagascar s Southeast and its beguiling human population are waiting. An Unforgettable Adventure Come to discover the unexplored Southeast of Madagascar, as of yet unknown by the most widely circulating tourist guidebooks. Take on an adventure of hiking some 120 km (75 miles) across and along the length of the Vondrozo Forest Corridor to explore this microcosm of Malagasy flora and fauna; wander through the forest amongst lemurs, chameleons, birds, geckos, frogs, snakes, insects of all kinds, elegant orchids, emblematic ravinala plants, and precious trees (rosewood, palissander, etc.). Explore the rich cultural and ethnic diversity as you pass through the lands of the Betsileo, Tanala, Bara, and Antaisaka peoples, and revel in the rich contrast of the landscape from the mountains of the High Plateau, to the rainforest, to the eastern coast and sparkling beaches of the Indian Ocean. 4

5 Far away from the touristic sterotypes applied to so many other exotic, tropical destinations, this hike will provide you with the chance to explore the real eighth continent amongst the warm-hearted Malagasy people and see the Madagascar countryside in its true colors the red earth of rust and ocher tones, the yellow of the golden hills, and the emerald green of the forest. This hike will allow you to adopt the Malagasy lifestyle of mora mora, meaning that your habitual pace will slow, and you will have the opportunity to discover, observe, and absorb the mysterious atmosphere of the Ala Atsinanana and the ancient wisdom of the Malagasy culture within it. Consider this hike an invitation to get more out of your Madagascar experience, to immerse yourself in the Malagasy way of life and learn how to smile and give generously, even in the face of grave difficulties. We propose a circuit traversing the Vondrozo Forest Corridor from north to south, starting in the Betsileo High Plateau village of Miarinarivo. From there, we will cross the width of the rainforest corridor and then travel south along its eastern border across the changing Malagasy countryside to our final destination of Vondrozo, close to the eastern coast and at the limit of the greater South. Along the way, we will pass through village after village which offer opportunities to camp and explore the nearby forest. This trail which parallels and, in some places, traverses the extent of the corridor, is an important local route for commerce (primarily of tobacco) and communication. Cultural specificities in the Southeast : a region with preserved traditions Though there persists a unified Malagasy identity which unites all Malagasy people, the culture in Madagascar and in the Southeastern region is widely varied, depending on region and ethnic group. Individuals identify with a clan or ethnic group, called a foko, which can change from one village to another and whose name often tells the story of the origin of the village and its inhabitants. Likewise, each region, each ethnic group, and even each village, can possess a unique dialect, or fizaka. Traditions of tromba, the rite of possession, and the presence of an ombiasy, or traditional healer, in almost each village are common in the Southeast, as in others regions of the island. Fady, or taboos inherited from the ancestors ( razana ) which organize everyday life, are also very important to each subculture, though they again differ from one village or family to another. Those interested in learning more about culture and traditional livelihoods, should ask to find about local fady. Though long, the main hiking route is not strenuous and is accessible to hikers of all levels of experience. Because of its frequent use as a trade route, the trail itself is well-maintained and easily identifiable, though you will still want to hire a guide as maps of the region do not yet exist, nor do trail signs and markers. 5

6 Culture and preservation of biodiversity The reconciliation of tradition, conservation, and development appears to be achievable, thanks to many years of effort on the part of World Wide Fund. WWF strives to incorporate local knowledge, particularly of agriculture and medicinal plant usage, in its plans for forest restoration and sustainable management. Some local fady help conservation work, too. For example, alam-bevehivavy, the fady of sacred women forest, safeguards watersheds by allowing only women to swim in certain rivers. Additionally, the fady of babakoto forbids the killing of the indri-indri lemurs. Come share in the life of the rural Malagasy communities, discover their daily habits, and their relations with the surrounding forest. The native people of the Southeast will be honored to help you discover the wild flora and fauna of which they entertain an ancient knowledge and to impart some of their longstanding cultural wisdom. This encounter with the local populations of the Southeast offers the opportunity to make a mutually enriching cultural exchange of Western and Malagasy customs. The ethnic origins of the Malagasy people, at once Asian and African, have given rise to a fascinating culture, rife with divergent beliefs, customs, and practices, that in their diversity can often confound the visiting vazaha, or foreign tourist. Much the same as the renowned plant and animal biodiversity of Madagascar, the Malagasy culture is like no other found in the world and makes up an important part of this island s inimitable reputation; as one example, the artisanat of wood zafimaniry, a betsileo ethnic group, is described under the Cultural Intangible Heritage clause of UNESCO, since Southeastern Madagascar is no exception to this unique cultural diversity and is rich in traits and values that vary throughout each local community. The local guides whom you will meet in your travels of the Corridor are an excellent resource for discovering more about interesting sites, regional fady, and other specific beliefs and customs. WWF strives to understand and honor the local population s inherent knowledge of their own forest in all local sustainable management initiatives and to recognize and reward community efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain eco-friendly development practices. The World Wide Fund hopes to share these local initiatives with foreign visitors to this region, in an effort to create an ecotourism market that addresses all aspects of the ecosystem flora and fauna, of course, but human population and culture, as well. 6

7 Proposed Route Outlined below is a proposed itinerary for your voyage through the Vondrozo Forest Corridor. Please keep in mind that this is only one of many possible circuits on an island which abounds with hiking opportunities. Feel free to adapt the following to your personal needs Route Overview: km (75 miles) - Duration of recommended route : 6-15 days ; minimum of 10 days recommended for a thorough experience - Access : From Antananarivo, take RN7 to Ambalavao, then follow a dirt road (4-wheel drive recommended) for 4 hours to the town of Miarinarivo, the official departure point for the Vondrozo forest circuit. It is possible to camp in this village. - Difficulty: moderate to strenuous. Though the main trail poses few problems, treks through the forest can be especially challenging with steep grades, deep mud, and hot weather to contend with. - All mentioned villages are well-suited for and welcoming of campers. - The hike offers opportunities to: Discover the cultural customs and beliefs of the people of the region : visit markets, dine on traditional Malagasy cuisine, take part in holidays and celebrations, and imbibe the daily life of the rural Malagasy people Discover the breathtaking biodiversity: visit the forest, both day and night, to observe Madagascar s unique flora and fauna Chute Remazava, Vohimary nord Visit natural features : waterfalls, overlooks, mountains, and rivers abound. 7

8 Route Backbone (hike of 6 days with approximate walking time between destinations noted): - Miarinarivo-Bemahala : 12h Traverse the forest. If you have more time, stay overnight within the forest corridor (in a meadow adjacent to the forest village) and take advantage of possibilities for nocturnal hikes to see unique fauna - Bemahala- Maroangira : 6h Visit the forest of Bemahala (1 hour hike to forest edge from the village itself) for breathtaking views of the valley, waterfalls, plants and animals - Maroangira-Anivorano II : 10h30 Visit the bamboo forest in Anivorano II (1 hour hike from the village) for abundant flora and fauna, especially lemurs - Anivorano II Vohimary Nord : 8h Visit the forest and three waterfalls of Vohimary Nord (about 4 hours walk from the village). It is possible to camp near the river. The waterfalls are impressive, so plan accordingly and leave yourself at least one full day to enjoy them. Whatever your plans, be sure not to miss - Antaninary Waterfall - Vohimary Nord Waterfalls - Vohimary Nord- Vondrozo : 8h From Vohimary Nord, it is possible to exit the circuit to Vondrozo by car or bicycle if transportation is pre-arranged. Chute Andriapozivolo, Vohimary nord and fauna (6 hour walk) Many of the villages accessed along this route harbor natural and cultural treasures that you will have the chance to explore on your journey. Listed here in the chronological order in which they will be encountered on your travels are a few specific points of interest along the way. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is up to you to determine your primary interests and length of stay. - Tanambao : Possible forest visit for flora 8

9 - Moroteza : A large regional market is held every Saturday. Campsite location is beautiful and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Exit possibility: road to Farafangana. - Iapombo : Possible forest visit for wildlife and waterfall (1h30 walk from village). This village can easily be visited as a day trip from Moroteza (1 hour walk between villages). - Soarano : Saturday market day. Exit possibility: road to Vondrozo. - Tsaratanana - Antaninary : Possible forest visit to see wildlife and waterfalls (4 hours walk from village). Campsite in the forest near the largest waterfall. - Manapatra, part of the commune of Antaninary : traverse a river via dug-out canoe, or pirogue, in the direction of Vohimary Nord, with possibilities for a river tour to observe crocodiles and caimans in the dry season. Take advantage of your time in the Southeast to visit Ranomafana and Andringintra National Parks, world-renowned ecotourism destinations, which each showcase a different landscape and ecosystem. This region also affords the opportunity to explore a variety of transportation options in Madagascar, from the standard taxi-brousse to the train between Fianarantsoa and Manakara to a canal voyage along the Pangalanes. All of these popular tourist destinations can easily be linked with the Vondrozo Forest Corridor trek to create an encompassing circuit of the southeast region. Travel Advice It is preferable to visit this region during the dry season (May through October-November), for the route may become impassable due to heavy rains the rest of the year. Best to plan ahead! Come to the Vondrozo Forest Corridor to make this unforgettable experience a reality! Soava dia!* *Bon voyage 9

10 WWF works for a living planet. WWF has a mission to stop the degradation of the natural environment of the planet and to build a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature by : Preserving global biological diversity Ensuring sustainable use of renewable natural resources and, Decreasing pollution and excessive consumption WWF Madagascar and West Indian Ocean Program Office BP 738, Antananarivo 101 Madagascar Tél: / / Fax: WWF International Avenue du Mont-Blanc 1196 Gland Switzerland Tél : Fax :