Feasibility of eco-tourism in the Mangkoy and Ihotry wetland complex

The Mango River Delta and Lake Ihotry in the semi-arid Tulear Province of South-western Madagascar constitutes a wetland complex that has been identified as one of the sites of highest priority for biodiversity conservation in the country. This Important Bird Area extends on some 140.000ha. In addition to the shallow brackish lake Ihotry (92-110km²) and the delta, wetland habitats also include mangroves, marshes and smaller shallow lakes. The wetland complex hosts several endemic, endangered and vulnerable fish, bird and mammal species. The population consists of several and ethnic groups, including migrants from the high lands. Their main activities are agriculture, livestock-rearing and fisheries, the latter being a secondary activity that mainly involves women and children. The area has a high but so far unrealized potential for tourism and recreation. Wetland ecosystems in this area are threatened by conversion into agricultural land and overexploitation of natural resources by local communities. Forest clearing and fires set on grazing lands in the catchment area lead to increased silting of water bodies, inadequate fishing gear threatens fish stocks, excessive extraction of aquatic plants destroys important fish and turtle habitats, and marshes are being converted into rice fields. As a result biodiversity and the basis on which local livelihoods are based are being threatened. ASITY and the Birdlife International Madagascar Programme are working in the area since 2004 to tackle these problems. This project will complement their activities by focusing on the potential of the area for eco-tourism as an alternative means to generate incomes and alleviate poverty while promoting biodiversity conservation. As a preliminary step, the project aims at establishing the feasibility of promoting and developing eco-tourism in the area in partnership with local communities and tour-operators. Specific objectives are: to identify sites of interest for the development of tourism and eco-tourism in the wetland complex; to inform and raise the awareness of local communities and private sector on the potential of the area for eco-tourism; to promote the area as a potential destination for eco-tourism and tourism among tour operators.

Awareness amongst business communities and local stakeholders on eco-tourism potentials of the locality is increased. A platform is being sought that will bring together all local stakeholders including government staff and the private sector that may facilitate the development of the local infrastructure both institutionally and physically.