Tourism & Ecology in Toamasina: A Sustainable Perspective

BALANCING TOURISM AND ECOLOGY IN TOAMASINA
A Sustainable Perspective
Presented by:
24 316 088- ANDRIANAJAINA Falison Fidele
24 316 054- DONY François Manielo
24 316 093- RAMILARISON Tony Ary Fetra
24 316 062- RAZAFINDRAZAKA Vincent Mario
24 316 074- SANTATRINIAINA Iriantsoa Anjanirina
24 316 094- VAHINIHERIMINO Finoana
Responsible teacher: Mister TSIRINIAINA Giovanni
Academic year: 2024-2025
Promotion : L316
REPOBLIKAN’I MADAGASIKARA
Fitiavana - Tanindrazana - Fandrosoana
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MINISTÈRE DE L’ENSEIGNEMENT SUPÉRIEUR ET DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
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UNIVERSITÉ DE TOAMASINA
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ISSEDD
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Tél. [phone] Std Scolarité,- Email : <[email protected]>
Site web: http://issedd-univ.mg - Facebook: ISSEDD (ex GRENE UniversitéToamasina)
BP.: 591, toamasina 501 – Madagascar
Fahaizaňa sy Faňahy

Needless to say, Toamasina, a coastal jewel of Madagascar embodies a
fascinating duality: on one hand, a city experiencing rapid tourism growth; on the
other, a fragile ecosystem striving for preservation. Every year, thousands of
visitors are drowning to its beaches, history and vibrant culture (tourisme-
tamatave.com). Yet, this influx poses a major challenge: how can tourism
development be achieved without compromising the ecological balance that
makes this region so unique? Faced with this crucial question, local stakeholder
and environmental advocates are working to build a sustainable model where
economic growth and biodiversity preservation move forward hand in hand. The
MIAMI project, the promotion of the Pangalanes Canal, and ecotourism initiative
are just a few examples of necessary transition towards responsible tourism. This
essay delves into the heart of this reality, start with the Tourism potential of
Toamasina, then environment challenges and lastly the initiative and possible
solutions.
Located along Madagascar's stunning eastern coastline, Toamasina is a
city that beautifully combines natural splendor with cultural heritage. Its pristine
beaches, unique ecosystems, and rich traditions make it a prime destination for
tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure. To begin with, Toamasina’s
natural assets stand out as its greatest strength. The city’s golden beaches stretch
along the coastline, offering visitors an idyllic setting for relaxation and water-
based activities. Furthermore, the Canal des Pangalanes, stretching over 645
kilometers (MadaMagazine.com), a remarkable network of lakes and canals,
provides breathtaking scenery and attracts eco-conscious travelers who enjoy
exploring through traditional boat tours. Also, the Miami project one of the place
attracting more visitors in Tamatave, over 100,000 visitors in just six weeks after
its launch, recorded come to explore its activities and opportunity offer. The
project managers aim to reach 1 million visitors per year, potentially generating
between 40 and 80 billion ariary for the city (Madagascar-Tribune.com). The city
offers captivating urban experiences, such as the Bazar Be, a bustling market
where visitors can discover local products. The Pousse-pousse or rickshaw, an
iconic mode of transport in the city, allows visitors to easily navigate its

neighborhoods and attractions. Adding to this, the region’s diverse flora and
fauna, including endemic species such as lemurs and rare birds, make it a haven
for nature enthusiasts. Thus, these elements collectively form the foundation of
Toamasina’s appeal to both local and international visitors. In addition to its
natural beauty, the economic significance of tourism in Toamasina is noteworthy.
The tourism sector generates thousands of jobs, directly through hospitality
services like hotels and restaurants, and indirectly through local artisans and
market vendors who cater to the growing influx of visitors. Moreover, the steady
increase in tourist arrivals has led to significant investments in infrastructure, such
as the development of roads, accommodations, and public amenities, thereby
improving the quality of life for residents. These economic benefits underscore
tourism’s central role in the region’s overall development. Toamasina’s tourism
potential is undeniable, given its combination of breathtaking natural assets,
significant economic contributions, and forward-thinking initiatives. While the
tourism grows in the region, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that
economic benefits are harmonized with ecological preservation.
Tourism in Toamasina is economic growth and a major contributor to
environmental degradation. The increasing influx of visitors brings rising
concerns about pollution affecting the city’s beaches, air quality, and the iconic
Canal des Pangalanes. These challenges, which threaten local ecosystems and
biodiversity. On one hand, visitors leave behind non-biodegradable waste such as
plastics, bottles, and cigarette butts, which accumulate along the coastline and in
the ocean. On the other hand, improper waste management exacerbates the
problem, allowing these materials to pollute not only the beaches but also marine
ecosystems. Studies indicate that over 60% of plastic waste found on Toamasina’s
beaches originates from tourism activities (Environmental Issues - JICA).
Furthermore, as these wastes decompose, they generate microplastics, which
contaminate both the sand and the water, threatening marine life such as fish,
corals, and sea turtles. In addition to harming the coastal environment, tourism
significantly contributes to air pollution in Toamasina. Vehicles used for
transporting tourists emit harmful gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and fine

particles, which degrade air quality and accelerate global warming
(Environmental Issues - JICA). Moreover, motorized recreational activities like
jet skis and boat excursions release pollutants into the atmosphere, further
compromising the region’s air quality. Air quality in urban areas is sometimes
compromised, with fine particle concentrations exceeding WHO standards,
especially near the port. These emissions worsen global warming and negatively
affect public health, particularly respiratory conditions in residents.
The balance between tourism and ecology is crucial for the sustainable
development of cities. Faced with the environmental challenges posed by the
influx of tourists, several measures can be implemented: First of all, managing
tourist flows is important to reducing the strain on fragile sites. Indeed,
implementing visitor quotas or limiting access during certain periods of the year
helps preserve ecosystems while ensuring a quality experience
(tourismnotes.com). Furthermore, developing off-season tourism can alleviate
overcrowding at popular tourist spots. Secondly, environmentally friendly
infrastructure should be prioritized. For example, eco-lodges and buildings
powered by renewable energy can reduce the ecological footprint of tourism
activities (discoverwildscience.com). Thus, investing in sustainable solutions
minimizes environmental impacts. Additionally, raising visitors' awareness of
ecological issues is a key step. For example, educational campaigns or digital
guides can encourage responsible behaviors such as waste reduction or respect for
natural spaces. In this way tourists become agents of change. Finally, involving
local populations in tourism management is a sustainable solution. Not only does
this strengthen their role in resource preservation, but also it promotes the creation
of ethical jobs. Consequently, integrating locals into these initiatives ensures fair
tourism (link.springer.com).
Tourism plays a vital role in boosting the local economy through job
creation, infrastructure development, and investments in various sectors.
However, this growth has led to alarming environmental challenges, including

beach pollution, air quality degradation, and water contamination in the Canal des
Pangalanes, primarily caused by improper waste disposal and emissions from
tourist activities. Efforts to address these challenges involve implementing eco-
friendly tourism practices, raising awareness among visitors, regulating tourism-
related emissions, and empowering local communities to participate in
conservation initiatives. Striking a balance between tourism development and
ecological preservation is essential to ensure sustainable growth while protecting
Toamasina's unique biodiversity and heritage.
In conclusion, Toamasina exemplifies both the opportunities and risks
associated with rapid tourism growth. Its natural assets and cultural heritage make
it an attractive destination, but the environmental consequences of unchecked
tourism require immediate and proactive measures. Through sustainable practices
such as eco-tourism, stricter regulations, and local engagement, Toamasina can
achieve harmonious coexistence between economic development and ecological
preservation. By adopting these strategies, the city can maintain its status as a
thriving and responsible tourist destination for generations to come.
WEBOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp
https://www.madamagazine.com
https://www.madagascar-tribune.com
https://tourisme-tamatave.com
https://www.moov.mg
https://discoverwildscience.com
https://link.springer.com
https://tourismnotes.com