Ecotourism's dirty laundry? Exploring the relationship between participation, equity and conservation around protected areas in Madagascar.

This research project set about to explore different stakeholder perceptions on the subject of local participation in, and benefits from, tourism around the Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks in Madagascar, and regarding conservation outcomes.

Findings from n=47 semi-structured interviews, supplemented by information collected using other qualitative research techniques, point to low levels of local participation - whether in the tourism development process or in the benefits of tourism. Reasons for this include historical socio-economic factors and the perpetuation of unequal power dynamics. Although non-financial benefits of tourism are recognised, barriers to local contact with tourists were found to limit these.

Expressions of discontent triggered by national park entrance fee rises revealed entrenched feelings of local resentment and anger concerning the suspension of ecotourism revenue-sharing. This policy had previously partially compensated for a dearth of direct benefits from tourism. Local residents' sentiments were of deceit and alienation from 'The Park'. Dissatisfaction was also linked to the national park organisation's management style, particularly concerning guide and porter treatment.

A situation of increasing inequality and insecurity around these protected areas was indicated, combined with uncontrolled environmental degradation - particularly in Ranomafana National Park. Findings infer a causal link between equity in policies and conservation outcomes; highlighting the importance of perceptions of fairness in meeting forest protection goals. They also question the effectiveness of promoting ecotourism as an 'alternative livelihood' to compensate for the interdiction of local forest use after protected area creation.