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Madagascar's Ancient Baobab: A Living Fossil Tour
23 Sep
Summary
- A 1650-year-old baobab tree is a highlight of Tsimanampetsotse park.
- New eco-tourism ventures will feature cave-diving to see giant fossils.
- Local communities will jointly manage parks and benefit from tourism.

Madagascar is enhancing its eco-tourism offerings within its protected national parks, aiming to attract investors while preserving natural wealth. Tsimanampetsotse park, a vast reserve of exceptional biodiversity, features a 1650-year-old baobab tree, Earth's oldest living tree. This initiative focuses on developing sustainable infrastructure, including eco-lodges built with renewable energy and minimal environmental impact.
Future tourism plans include unique underground expeditions and cave-diving adventures, allowing visitors to discover fossils of extinct giant lemurs and crocodiles. This approach emphasizes joint management with local populations, ensuring they are primary beneficiaries of park activities. Last year, this model generated 2.3 million euros for local communities, with further job creation and training schemes anticipated.
Investors are drawn to Madagascar's natural beauty and ethical tourism standards, prioritizing long-term development over quick profits. The nation seeks investors committed to conservation, ensuring its unique biodiversity remains protected as tourism capacity expands, boosting its appeal to a wider range of visitors.