Jean de Heaulmes

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Share our commitment to sustainable tourism and social development with a stay at Vinanibe Lodge, one of the hotels owned by the de Heaulmes family.  Since the 1930s the family has been involved in preserving the rich biodiversity of Madagascar.  Their efforts include the development of a private reserve in the forest of the Mandradre River, a botanical garden in Sayadi, and protection of a large forest of baobab trees close to Morondave.   In 1986, the family was awarded the John Paul Getty Prize for Conservation.  On a community level, training and hiring of locals is seen as a priority, including for management positions, so that the economic development of the area can be supported.  The family hires very few westerners among the executives (70% of them come from Tana, 30% from Fort Dauphin).  We believe it is the guest that ultimately benefits from our sustainable practices, as these actions create a better maintained destination for visitors to enjoy.