Can cultural tourism help save the `Historic Urban Landscape' (HUL) of Antananarivo?

Ref.: 156
Área temática: 02 Integridad funcional de los paisajes urbanos históricos
Fecha de recepción: 29/10/2008

AUTORES (* Autor principal)

MacDonald, Deanna * - None (Canadá)

EVALUACIÓN FINAL DEL COMITÉ CIENTÍFICO: Pendiente

ABSTRACT

Antananarivo is a city of great potential. A capital of the Merina Kingdom since the 16th century, the capital of Madagascar since the early 19th century and a French colony until independence in 1960, Antananarivo's winding streets are lined with architecture and monuments from each era. It's historic centre, set on rolling red hills dotted with tropical trees and rice paddy fields, holds architecture ranging from stately Malagasy palaces and tombs to French neo-gothic churches to picturesque red brick homes with high tile roofs. Well-maintained, Antananarivo could be one of the most beautiful capitals in Africa.

But it is not. Madagascar is among the world's poorest countries and its capital's infrastructure and architecture are in decay. While a few important structures are receiving attention - such as the "Rova de la reine," (a royal palace complex) which was destroyed by fire in 1995 and is now being rebuilt with UNESCO's help - most of Antananarivo's historic urban landscape remains neglected, and often, in near ruins. And today, thanks to a stable, democratic government, the city is experiencing modest economic growth, which is regrettably leading to the destruction of historic buildings to make way for new construction and altering the city's historic urban landscape irrevocably.

Neglect and insensitive development are threatening to destroy Antananarivo's urban heritage and along with it, the city's collective memory and, on a pragmatic level, its enormous economic potential as a tourist destination.

What can be done? How does the capital of a developing country protect its HUL?

The task is enormous. Work is needed in every aspect from stricter enforcement of heritage legislation to better organization and cooperation between government and non-governmental heritage/cultural organizations to education programs for everyone from school children to government officials on the irreplaceable importance of Antananarivo's heritage. Tourism could also play a vital part in saving this heritage.

Money talks and the economic potential of increased cultural tourism could help spur on more sensitive development in the historic centre. Eco-tourism is presently the near sole focus of most travel promotion for Madagascar. But a strong international tourism campaign highlighting the cultural attractions of the city could help to save historic areas by bringing in more tourist dollars and raising public awareness among the residents and business owners of Antananarivo of the cultural importance and economic potential of their HUL. Oh course, tourism's affects are not all positive. But at this stage of Madagascar's development, it could be a valuable resource.

This paper will explore the situation in Antananarivo and consider how it can be improved, with particular attention to the benefits of expanding cultural tourism. I will be consulting with members of the municipal and national government, local NGOs and other heritage/tourism specialists. As a Canadian art historian and journalist who has written extensively about cultural tourism, living in Antananarivo since 2007 and with no affiliation with local government or NGOs, I have a unique standpoint on the situation and aim to provide fresh perspective and ideas.

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