Environmental Impact Analysis

Positive Aspects :

• Détours Madagascar promotes, as much as possible, the use of soft mobility in the design of its itineraries: hiking and trekking are renowned as our specialties, but there are also many other alternative modes of transport in our trips, such as pirogues, bicycles, dhows, and horseback riding. In addition to adding real value to the trips with unique experiences, these soft mobility options help reduce the carbon footprint of the proposed journeys.

• We organize trips in unique and little-visited ecosystems (such as the Makay Massif), where we place strong emphasis on raising awareness about the protection of these rare ecosystems. We collaborate with the NaturEvolution Madagascar association for the management and protection of this New Protected Area.

• Trips are always in small groups (on average 3 to 4 people, with a maximum of 8 to 10 people for GIR trips). This allows us to reduce the pressure on the human and natural environments encountered during the trips.

• We raise awareness among our teams about environmental protection through training, discussions, regular reminders, and the sharing of relevant documentation and information. In the office, teams are encouraged to use paper and ink sparingly, to focus on water and energy conservation, and a worm composter has been set up to recycle the organic waste from lunch.

• In the field, the focus is on the protection of nature and resources, waste management, and knowledge of the natural environment (wildlife, flora, geology…). For example, we ensure enough ropes are provided for field teams during camping to prevent porters from cutting young trees to make their own ropes; we adhere to the regulations in National Parks and international standards (inspired by the Leave No Trace policy, for which the agency is certified); and we use water purification systems to avoid purchasing plastic bottles, which are not recycled in Madagascar.

• The agency also educates travelers about environmental protection by providing practical information before departure and through communication on social media, blogs, and the website. This communication covers the richness and fragility of biodiversity, as well as local cultural specifics. The awareness is further reinforced by the guides on-site, who offer travelers insights into customs, dress codes, taboos, and the local biodiversity.

• Détours provides travelers with a list of books and documents in the practical information sheet and on the website to help them understand the local culture, the country’s history, and its specificities.

• We encourage travelers to bring back non-recyclable items, such as batteries, to Europe where they can be recycled.

• The agency also offers travelers the option to buy a Zero Waste Toiletry Kit before arrival, containing basic unpackaged products (soap, toothpaste, shampoo…). This kit is made in partnership with a Malagasy company that manufactures natural cosmetics using local and organic products. The products come in plastic-free packaging, made from natural materials (fabric, raffia…), handcrafted. Through this initiative, the agency educates travelers about limiting plastic and chemical waste, while supporting the local economy and promoting the island’s natural resources.

Areas for Improvement:

• Continued education and training for teams on resource conservation and waste management are needed, as these guidelines are not always followed in practice, and there is room for improvement. It is sometimes difficult to instill these habits in teams when they are not already ingrained in their daily routines and mindsets.

• The main modes of transport remain 4x4 vehicles and airplanes, which are highly polluting. These significantly increase the carbon footprint of the trips. The agency could, for example, offer travelers an optional carbon offset, donated to a specialized organization to fund carbon-positive projects. This process costs the company very little but helps mitigate the CO2 emissions from travel by airplane and 4x4.

Thesis Excerpt - Maëlle GUILLET  

Tourism in Madagascar, a Naturally Responsible Destination? The Case of Détours Madagascar

Professional License in Tourism and Solidarity Economy,  

University of Avignon and the Vaucluse Region