Tag Archives | Travel

An image of a palm thatched tree-house at the Masoala Forest Lodge overlooking the stunning beach.

Importance of Eco-tourism in Madagascar

By Lucía Rodríguez on February 27, 2017

Eco-tourism and its importance Eco-tourism is tourism that is directed towards natural and exotic environments with the intention to support conservation efforts and the protection of wildlife. With the intention of giving a share of the monetary benefits to local communities and providing the visitor with a nature-based experience, eco-resorts are incredibly beneficial and important. According to WorldWide Ecolodges on their definition of the importance of eco lodges, they say that “many countries and regions have embarked on creating certifiable […]

Conservation Fusion Partners with Schools in Kianjavato

By Lynne Venart on January 20, 2017

In September, I visited the small town of Kianjavato in eastern Madagascar to meet with LCN members Conservation Fusion and Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership to learn about their work first hand. Both Conservation Fusion and MBP work closely with the villages in this area to build a strong foundation for continued conservation of the eleven lemur species in the nearby forests. Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership has worked in this region since 2009, and Conservation Fusion began their education programming here in 2010 to help teach the local children about […]

Reforestation in Kianjavato: MBP’s Conservation Successes

By Lynne Venart on January 17, 2017

I visited Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership‘s (MBP) field station in Kianjavato last year to learn about their reforestation and conservation efforts in this region. Kianjavato is located about 1 ½ hours east of Ranomafana, and is home to at least 14,000 people and a dozen villages. The forest fragments surrounding Kianjavato are home to nine lemur species including the aye-aye, black and white ruffed lemur, and the greater bamboo lemur. Reforestation to Connect the Forests of Kianjavato and Vatovavy MBP established […]

The Sakaviro Forest: A Hidden Gem Near Anja Reserve

By Lynne Venart on January 10, 2017

Betsileo villagers take Lynne to Sakaviro Forest, 5km down a dirt road near Anja Reserve in southern Madagascar. They see ring-tailed lemurs, a cave & more.

Sifakas, Ring-Tails and Sportive Lemurs at Berenty Reserve

By Lynne Venart on January 2, 2017

Volunteer Belinda Bertrand visits Berenty Reserve in southern Madagascar and sees Verraux’s sifakas, ring-tailed lemurs, sportive lemurs, and a Skups owl!

Volunteering at Sainte Luce Reserve

By Lynne Venart on December 15, 2016

This past October I volunteered in forest conservation for two weeks at Sainte Luce Reserve in south east Madagascar. I found the reserve listed on an international volunteer website and liked the variety it offered. Plus, it was in Madagascar which was a place that I’ve always wanted to visit. The volunteer listing mentioned lemur follows, tree planting, trail clearing, planting mangroves, sea turtle monitoring, and working in the tree nursery which all sounded perfect for me. I checked out […]

A mother ring-tail nursing her two babies at Anja Reserve. Photo by Lynne Venart.

Hiking with Ring-Tailed Lemurs at Anja Reserve

By Lynne Venart on November 8, 2016

After spending several days in Ranomafana and then Kianjavato, we head back west past Ranomafana National Park and then south to Ambalavao, a small city an hour south of Fianarantsoa (Madagacar’s second largest city) and just 7 kilometers north of Anja Reserve. The Anja Reserve is a popular tourist stop on the RN7, and is viewed by many as Madgascar’s most successful community reserve. At lunch, my driver Zina introduces me to Adrian, who will be my guide for my […]

Black and white ruffed lemurs in Ranomafana National Park. Photo by Lynne Venart.

Spotting Sifakas and Ruffeds with Théo in Ranomafana

By Lynne Venart on October 30, 2016

While visiting Ranomafana National Park, I stayed at Centre ValBio so I could get a first hand look at the Center, learn about their work, and chat with the staff. Stay tuned to the LCN blog for an interview with Pascal Robeson, Centre ValBio’s Madagascar Country Director, and a post about CVB’s truly inspiring work. During my hikes in the park, Pascal arranged for me to have Théo as a guide. Théo is the favorite guide for everyone at CVB. […]