Kivalo, a village that has chosen ecotourism to address climate change

Posted on 7 February 2017

Focusing on the discovery of nature the eco-guides of Kivalo put ecotourism at the heart of their climate change adaptation initiatives in the Menabe region.

With the sounds of Reggae in their Volkswagen Combi, the eco-guides of Kivalo, 12 km as the crow flies north of Morondava, take tourists to visit to the mangroves surrounding their village. Focusing on the discovery of nature (mangrove forests, bird watching and Mouse lemur tour), their circuits also offer opportunities to with local people and to see their activities such as the , production of organic honey. Their efforts put ecotourism at the heart of their climate change adaptation initiatives in the Menabe region.

Ecotourism helps to make the villages of the Tsiribihina delta known and raises awareness about the importance of mangroves in the ecological robustness of the Menabe Region. By giving work to the local guides, who are trained by the Association of Guides from Morondava, Kivalo’s ecotourism is an example that helps villagers and tourists to think "green." Accompanying infrastructures are already operational: reception facility, camping and resting areas, tents, and sanitary facilities. 15 eco-guides were trained in 2016 and support nearly 80 people through this development activity. 20 volunteer women also received training in cookery to ensure that tourists are well catered to. An educational tour was organized with the Regional Tourism Office in December 2016.

To discover the mangroves of Manambolo Tsiribihina differently,the Association of Guides from Morondava is reachable at [email protected] / 034 91 820 27.

The Regional Bureau of Tourism in Menabe contact infos : Kiosk, Nosikely Road, Morondava, 034 41163 72 / [email protected]