Ifotaka Community Forest

Things to see in Madagascar: Ifotaka Community Forest

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This remote tract of community-owned forest is an admirable illustration of an initiative that encourages local communities to manage their natural resources sustainably. The native Tandroy people harvest certain areas of the forest, but leave the rest intact to preserve it for ecotourism, which generates a major source of revenue.

The preserved gallery and spiny forest are home to the wildlife that is synonymous with Madagascar's deep south: ring-tailed lemurs, endearing Verreaux's sifakas, and a wide variety of birdlife. No stay would be complete without a visit to Ifotaka village to learn about the complex beliefs and customs of the proud and engaging Tandroy.

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