To develop sustainable ecotourism in Antongil Bay in northeast Madagascar
What is the mission of Arol Ecolodge?
We intend to sustainably develop ecotourism in the Antongil Bay, Masoala, Makira, Nosy Mangabe.
We launched our Ecolodge concept on the western part of the Masoala Peninsula in 2001. The Statutes of AROL clearly establish the stated objective “to develop sustainably ecotourism in Antongil Bay”. Thus more than 4000 visitors shared our passion, the discovery of the exceptional terrestrial and marine biodiversity. We have been in charge of the school for about ten years. The village is supplied with hydroelectricity and running water via standpipes thanks to our contribution. Village associations gain direct benefits from ecotourism with our visitors.
Achievements and Projects
Northern bamboo lemur December 2019 Olivier Fournajoux
– 2017-2018, participation in hydro electrification for 1,500 inhabitants in Ambanizana
– 2014, installation of hydroelectric turbines and water pumps against a commitment to respect environmental law
– since 2011 primary school management
– 2009, production of a CD with the association of women to save the Varecia Rubra.
– 2007, the intervention of an agricultural technician to improve rice production
– since 2012 setting up of the village reserve. Over 2,500 visitors, one dollar each donated to the association.
Planting Bamboo for Northern bamboo lemurs, Hapalemur occidentalis
In the Arol Ecolodge surroundings, on the edge of Masoala forest, we own 1000m² that we intend to plant in green and yellow bamboo.
Five years ago we already plant bamboo in the lodge area which affords us to protect a pair of wild Bamboo lemurs. They came on their own from the nearby primary forest. They already mate and we have four of them coming at night very close from the cabin’s Lodge until now.
Our guests and our staff really enjoy to sight them from 5 pm to 5 am every night in the lodge area.
Classified as vulnerable in 2016 (Lemurs of Madagascar Strategy for Their Conservation), this Bamboo lemur species is probably endangered in Masoala right now. They are still the object of the most serious hunting and trapping by the surrounding communities.
Almost 100 bamboos have already been planted and are growing on our private land right now but it’s not enough.
Unfortunately, Lemurs are trapped by migrants until the beginning of the Covid 19 crises, and they are really endangered more than ever before.
Support Arol Ecolodge’s Conservation Initiatives
You can donate at Arol Ecolodge’s Paypal account (ecolodgechezarol@gmail.com). Every donation and expense will be clearly recorded.