Madagascar Hopes Tourism Saves 'Noah's Ark'

July 3, 2008 -- Exotic species and Homo sapiens have a hard time existing side by side. Wherever you find Man, you are also likely to find that rare birds, mammals, fish and flowers have been driven to the brink of extinction, and sometimes beyond.

Madagascar, though, is pinning its hopes on turning this tragic fact on its head.

By encouraging smart, environmentally-sensitive tourism, it hopes to muster funds vital for development and also nurture the wildlife that earns it the title of the "Noah's Ark" of the Indian Ocean.

Rene Razafindrajary lists the rare kinds of lemurs, birds and fish found in Ankarafantsika, an park of 1,250 square kilometers (500 square miles) comprising dry tropical forest rich with rosewood and ebony.

They are just part of the dazzling inventory of living things in Madagascar, which by itself hosts five percent of the world's known species.

"This protected area shelters an absolutely unrivaled biodiversity," he said in his office on the edge of the iconic site, located 460 kilometers (285 miles) northeast of the capital Antananarivo.

The forest is not just an area of rare and exquisite beauty, but is also a key water source for the Marovoay plains, where some of Madagascar's essential crops, especially rice, are grown.

Half a dozen years ago, a dark, destructive shadow was hanging over Ankarafantsika: deforestation, as poor local communities struggling to survive chopped down trees for fuel.

The National Association for the Management of Protected Areas (ANGAP) was placed in charge of the site, and opted for eco-tourism as the solution to its ills.

"Ecotourism was the best solution," said Justin Rakotoarimana, in charge of ANGAP's conservation and research branch, adding however that the novel scheme had to overcome doubt and reluctance.

Schools and wells have already been built with the proceeds while the park has also created 50 jobs, most of which were reserved for local residents.

"I decided to become a guide when I worked out that I could be earning more than by growing rice," explained Justin Rakotoroa, who escorts visitors through the park.