Created in 1997, Fanamby has adopted an innovative approach to conservation by using some of Madagascar’s most prominent protected areas as a platform for sustainable development through Sahanala, developing camps which are encouraging local communities to become involved in responsible tourism and giving them the skills they need to make the camps a success.

 

Fanamby currently manages five protected areas across Madagascar totalling 600,000 ha in size – the equivalent of 10% of all protected areas on the island. These areas are home to 30 species of lemur, the biggest scorpion in the world and seven different species of endemic baobab trees. Since these areas came under Fanamby’s management, 50 new species of fauna and flora have been discovered.

 

“Sahanala is devoted to using protected areas as a means to reduce poverty and stimulate real economic development,” says founder Serge Rajaobelina. “Nature and natural resources are essential in the daily lives of the Malagasy people and constitute a means to increase wealth and well-being if managed wisely,” he adds.“Friendly Camps have been created to use responsible tourism to help find the best balance between peoples’ needs and aspirations, and to conserve biodiversity for current and future generations.”

 

Camp Amoureux, meaning “Lovers camp”,  is located close to the world-famous Avenue of Baobabs, 44km north of the town of Morondava in the south west of Madagascar. It is named for the lovingly entwined baobabs which are the focal point of the camp. Surrounded by rich, biodiverse habitat ranging from dry forests to mangrove swamps and lakes, Camp Amoureux is the perfect base from which to experience the curiously shaped trees which have helped to make Madagascar renowned worldwide.

 

Only two hours north of the capital of Antananarivo lies Saha Forest Camp, deep in the heart of a lush, 52,000ha primary forest inhabited by Madagascar’s largest and most impressive lemur – the indri. This tented camp is located high on a hillside overlooking the towering canopy of the forest which is also home to diademed sifaka and an impressive list of indigenous birdlife. The camp offers guests a range of hikes into the forest with experienced guides from the local community.

 

“We are delighted that Saha Forest Camp and Camp Amoureux have become Fair Trade Tourism certified as we view this as just recognition of the work that Sahanala has been doing using biodiversity conservation and responsible tourism as a means of poverty alleviation within protected areas,” says Fair Trade Tourism managing director Nivashnee Naidoo.

 

Fair Trade Tourism, a South African non-profit organisation promoting awareness about responsible tourism to both travellers and the African tourism industry, facilitates a world-renowned certification programme. In December 2011 it became the first tourism certification programme in Africa to be recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and is based on strict adherence to criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

 

The certification programme is currently offered to tourism businesses in South Africa, Madagascar and Mozambique. Fair Trade Tourism also has mutual recognition agreements with like-minded certification programmes in Seychelles, Namibia and Tanzania which allows businesses certified under those programmes to be marketed under the Fair Trade Holiday banner by approved tour operators.