Lemur in Montagne des Francais

Montagne des Francais
The site has an exceptional level of biodiversity that is acutely threatened; its unique transitional habitat is an important centre of endemism for reptiles and amphibians (it is predicted that the site will become a critical refuge in the future), yet deforestation and slash-and-burn practices threaten their continued survival (D’Cruze et al. 2007).  As yet, no management strategy has been officially endorsed; as at other sites in northern Madagascar, small-scale ecotourism is recommended as a workable alternative to non-sustainable resource use (D’Cruze et al. in press; Kremen et al. 2008). 

Through consultation with stakeholders and village elders, it was agreed that ecotourism facilities would greatly enhance local livelihoods and safeguard the site’s remaining forest fragments.  Without economic incentives and awareness raising, we fear that degradation will continue at the cost of biodiversity and to the detriment of those living around Montagne des Français.

Montagne des Francais currently receives a significant number of adventure tourists who come to climb the challenging tsingy formations of the canyons.  The trend is likely to increase now that the attraction has been publicised on the national tourism website (http://www.madagascar-tourisme.com/article.php?&article_id=64&lang=us) and in popular climbing magazines.

In addition to adventure tourists, the site receives bird enthusiasts, nature tourists and 'gap year' travellers en route to the popular destinations of Ramena beach and elsewhere along the north coast of the island.  Given the proximity of Montagne des Francais to the major city of Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez) and the inclusion of the site into the regional network of protected areas, numbers are likely to increase further.  Indeed, Calcaterra et al. (2005) describe the region as “among the most important tourist resorts of the island”.

However, at present, the only facilities for tourists are located at considerable distances from sites of interest at Montagne des Francais – these are typically foreign-owned and expensive hotels whose revenues do not support the livelihoods of local communities.  In light of this, the opportunity for an in situ small-scale ecotourism operation is wide open and simply waiting to be facilitated. 

Ecotourism as a means of community-based conservation at Montagne des Francais, Madagascar: Objectives
We have a good understanding of community-based conservation and experience of working in developing countries, including Madagascar. It is because of this, and particularly owing to the good relationship we have with people living in the immediate vicinity of the site in question, that we believe this is a project will be a success.
Our key target is to arrest the loss of regionally endemic flora and fauna in the area, through:
- The creation of a sustainable , lucrative  source of income for the local population which will have a positive impact – in contrast to the present  destructive  practices upon this fragile environment.
- Developing a culture of environmental stewardship within the local population through education of both children and adults: this will be aided by a previously facilitated partnership with a local education authority in the United Kingdom.
- Creating a model to be emulated in other areas of northern Madagascar facing similar problems. We will endeavour to create a flagship model by highlighting the importance of the site; through scientific publications and by creating a working example of an ecotourism business model in action within Madagascar.

For more information, please contact:
Tom Sanders
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