Text : Owen Beaton, Photos : The Tandroy Conservation Trust
The Ifotaka Community Bungalows (ICB) are situated just outside the centre of Ifotaka village on the banks of the Mandrare, deep in the heart of Madagascar’s spectacular spiny forest. The region is home to the Tandroy, or ‘people of the thorns’, who herd cattle and are famed for being as tough as the forest-desert in which they live. Tandroy culture centres on the male ownership and management of zebu cattle, and on respect for ancestors. Rituals, ceremonies and beliefs surrounding major life events are the most striking forms of cultural expression. Music, dancing, decoration and design, and the ritual killing of zebu are all examples of the rich culture that visitors can experience.
It is only through extraordinary hard work and skilled exploitation of the environment that survival in the spiny forest is possible, thus Tandroy livelihoods are inextricably linked to the management of natural resources. The ICB project was initiated in 2003 in response to the need to promote local livelihoods whilst conserving regional biodiversity. The project was conceived by local leaders, built by local craftsmen with oversight from the Tandroy Conservation Trust (TCT) and funded by The BP Conservation Programme. The 8 bungalows, large campsite and a newly constructed interpretive centre are all community owned and locally staffed and managed. All income generated is either reinvested in the maintenance and management of the bungalows or used to regenerate degraded areas in the community managed forest.
Activities include camping, wildlife and cultural treks, bird watching, local music and dancing, visits to local markets and a wide range of other cultural events. Ifotaka forest boasts magnificent baobab trees, 4 species of lemur (Sifaka, Ring-tailed, Grey Mouse Lemur and White Footed Sportive), iguanas, chameleons, tortoises (including the threatened radiated tortoise) and over 50 species of birds.
Contact
Owen Beaton
Tandroy Conservation Trust
4, Somerset Avenue, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 8BP. UK
Tel : 00 44 (0) 1242 581121
Fax : 00 44 (0) 1242 581121
Email : owen@tct.org.uk
Internet : www.tandroyconservationtrust.org
Languages : English and French
Trips to Ifotaka should be arranged in Fort Dauphin through independent guides or by visiting one of the following local tour operators : Air Fort Services ; Village de Petit Bonheur ; Chabani Travel Tours.