Synergy between biodiversity, local development, tourist expectations for environmental preservation

Manangement, Biodiversity, Tourism

Madagascar, with its impressive biodiversity and over 80% endemism, has not yet significantly developed its tourism sector despite its natural wealth. The challenge is to grow tourism by valuing this biodiversity, including endemic species, while preserving it and improving the living conditions of local communities (COBA). This article aims to model equitable and sustainable tourism development strategies that balance socio-economic goals with biodiversity conservation. It addresses two research questions: How do tourist expectations influence the sustainability of biodiversity-focused tourism initiatives in Madagascar? What are the key success factors for aligning tourist expectations with conservation and local development goals? The hypotheses suggest that tourist expectations significantly influence their satisfaction and motivation to choose Madagascar as a destination and that Madagascar’s perception as a unique biodiversity hotspot is a key factor attracting international tourists, irrespective of the available tourism infrastructure. The methodological approach involved an in-depth literature review on ecotourism, tourist motivations and satisfaction, and sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. The results indicate that balanced and sustainable tourism development in Madagascar requires offers that align with tourist expectations while ensuring biodiversity conservation and improving the living conditions of local communities.

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