Tsingy de Bemaraha: Temporarily Closed To Public
The “Tsingy de Bemaraha” is the first National Park in Madagascar classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The park not only offers a spectacular landscape, but it is also the home of a huge number of endemic and diverse species. You will find about 400 animal species (mammals includes lemurs, birds, reptiles, amphibians) and no less than 900 native plants of Madagascar.
Sadly, on Thursday, 16th of August 2018, the access to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park has been stopped. There has been a disagreement between the locals and the national park management about the partition of fees.
Nary Razafinarivo, the deputy mayor of the village has given his statement regarding the matter through a video on social media. The deputy mayor says that the closing of the national park serves as a wakeup call to the officials:
“The goal is not to block visitors. They are the ones who really bring development here! The goal is to do like a bell, to challenge officials, to have them come to give the local population the 50% of the entrance fee. In Bekopaka, the village where we are, you can not think that it is a tourist village. There are no traces of development!”
The local authorities invoke the specifications drawn up by Madagascar National Parks, in which it has been agreed since 1998 that half of the income from admission tickets must be redistributed to the surrounding municipalities. However, according to the national park management, royalties have already been paid.
An ultimatum was laid by the village authorities. They demand a visit from Madagascar National Parks Director General to find a solution together. Otherwise, they threaten to manage the Bemaraha Tsingy Park themselves.
Tsingy de Bemaraha is still closed. There had been no recent update as to when it will open again to the public. We will keep posting for updates.
Tsingy de Bemaraha is a spectacular mineral forest. Being able to witness its beauty and wonder is a one of a kind experience. We, here at WAU, hope that the issue will be resolved soon. We truly believe that every tourist must have the chance to visit Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park as it makes Madagascar more unforgettable.
UPDATE:
Since Thursday, August 23rd, local authorities of Bekopaka have granted visitors free access to Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Visitors are now only being asked for guiding fees moving forward.
Stay connected for further updates.
