The World Heritages of Madagascar

Five sites and areas have been selected by the World Heritage Committee of the UNESCO as per the list below:

1- The Tsingy de Bemaraha (1990)

Eearly classified as a Strict Nature Reserve, it has become a National Park. The Tsingy is actually a spectacular geological formation and now one of the main attractions sites of Madagascar.

2- The Royal Hill of Ambohimanga (2001)

This place is the symbol of the Merina kingdom and for the whole Madagascar. It contains archaeological site, burial sites, traditional ceremonial place, and different worshiping places for the last 500 years as well as the Palace of the legendary King Andrianampoinimerina himself. Ambohimanga or “the blue hill” means many things for the Malagasy people. Manga reflects the sky. It also means wisdom and peace.

3- The Rainforests of the Atsinanana (2007)

It covers several thousands of hectares, which are home for many endemic and important species of Fauna and Flora. They are considered by scientists as a precious gene bank of biodiversity for the Humanity.

The Atsinanana Rainforests (literally Eastern Rainforest) includes the following protected areas:

– The National Park of Marojejy
– The National Park of Masoala
– The National Park of Zahamena
– The National Park of Ranomafana
– The National Park of d’Andringitra
– The National Park of d’Andohahela

4- The Baobab Avenue in Morondava

A world unique spot, the Baobab Avenue is composed of baobab trees old of 700 to 1000 years . Amongst the must-see place when visiting Madagascar.
These strange giant trees seems to have their roots in the sky.
Madagascar has got 7 species of the 9 existing on earth. The trunk stores water during the rainy season to assure the survival of the plant during the long dry period.

The baobab trees are wide spread alongside the  midwest to the southern coast of Madagascar.

5- The Zafimaniry village at Antoetra (2008)

For generations, Zafimaniry foresters, carpenters and craftworkers have developed a body of practical knowledge and skills revolving around wood. This craft tradition bears witness to the central role of this material in all aspects of life and death. Zafimaniry proficiency in forestry and wood sculpting can be seen in constructions and everyday objects. Practically all wooden surfaces – walls, window frames, posts, beams, stools, chests, tools – display elaborate ornamentation. The Zafimaniry use twenty different endemic species of tree, each adapted to a specific type of construction or decorative function. Houses and tombs are assembled entirely with traditional mortise and tenon joints, without the use of nails, hinges or other metal hardware. The traditional granaries, perched on round piles, are a distinctive feature of the mountain landscape. The geometric patterns are highly codified and reflect not only the community’s austronesian origins but also the Arab influences in Malagasy culture. Although the number of motifs is limited, the creativity of the craftworkers means that no two pieces are identical. These motifs carry rich symbolic significance related to Zafimaniry beliefs and values. “UNESCO”.