Living Conservation and Local Initiatives
Madagascar is an island where conservation is unfortunately not as prioritized as it should be. Over the past centuries, humans have destroyed much of the island’s original nature, and if the necessary measures are not taken soon, then
In just a few years, this unique natural paradise is expected to be irretrievably lost. However, conservation efforts in Madagascar should not be imposed from outside. It is much more important that a change in mindset takes place among the people in Madagascar. Local initiatives, founded by the Malagasy themselves, are therefore usually much more successful than projects that come from abroad.
One particularly remarkable initiative is the Anja Park, which has been operating for more than ten years. It is a rather small project that has gained significant attention for its efforts in preserving Madagascar’s biodiversity. Park, which is only just over nine square kilometers in size and enjoys special protection. Behind Anja Park, also known as Anjaha, is the initiative L´Association Anja Miray, which should serve as a model for many similar initiatives in Madagascar. Anja Park is located just over 12 kilometers south of Amabalavao and can be visited on our tours along the RN 7, such as on the section from Ranomafana to Ambalavao. We also include a visit to Anja Park on our Highland Route Trekking, because this unique project is not only fascinating, but also deserves a lot of support.
A protected area for many species
In Anja Park, numerous extraordinary species call home, as they find ample protection, food, and the living environment they need. The heart of the park is a huge clearing that exists in the steeply rising granite mountains of the park. In this strip, a diverse ecosystem has developed over the years.
For centuries, a remarkable vegetation has spread in the Anja Park: from beautiful orchids to bizarre-looking succulents and fascinating euphorbias, you can discover all kinds of botanical wonders. In addition, the Anja Park is also home to numerous insects and reptiles. Lizards, skinks, iguanas, and the cute dwarf chameleons inhabit the Anja Park. The well-trained guides will surely be able to show you some adorable creatures during a guided hike. But the highlight for many visitors are the ring-tailed lemurs, whose population in this area has surprisingly increased in recent years. There are now around 300 lemurs living in the Anja Park, as they are protected here and safe from predators. The Anja Park project is actively contributing to the preservation of the endangered species by creating new habitats on the outskirts of the park area, where they have no natural enemies. New areas are being reforested to provide these animals with new living spaces. This initiative also benefits the local community. 
Nature conservation and the preservation of habitats for animals and plants are top priorities for the initiators. However, it has become evident that such sustainability projects can also have an undeniably positive impact on people directly or indirectly involved with these projects. The Anja Park, for example, has created numerous new jobs, enabled the hiring of a teacher, and lays the foundation for many more cooperatives that aim to support the local population. If you wish to make a positive contribution to this important and valuable project through your entrance fee, we are more than happy to assist you in planning your visit. Trips. To fully explore all the fascinating aspects of Anja Park, it is recommended to bring a bit of physical fitness for your visit. The most attractive spots in the park can only be reached with a bit of climbing. However, the tours are flexible and can be adapted to your fitness level. Tours ranging from two to five hours are available. We highly recommend an unforgettable picnic in the park, which we often include at the beginning of our tours. If you have any questions about this or our offerings in general, feel free to contact us directly.
