20/05/2025
Yesterday, I got to catch up with my brothers from Andavadoaka here in Tana. As I’ve been developing Touroneplanet, they’ve been building their own grassroots eco-tourism efforts across Andavadoaka, and the surrounding Velondriake villages.
From day one, my goal has been simple: create access so that local people can shape the outcomes of tourism for themselves.
Valerio, who leads the Alefa Vezo team, shared that since joining the TourOnePlanet platform, the visibility of their work has grown significantly. That momentum inspired his team to begin building an eco-lodge—fully community-led—overlooking the stunning Mozambique Channel.
But here’s the thing about Andavadoaka: it’s remote. The issue isn’t interest—plenty of people want to visit. The challenge is access. Last year, Bien asked me how we could make travel to the region easier. I tossed out the idea of creating a small network of drivers familiar with the road.
At the time, I didn’t think much of it.
Yesterday, they told me Bien has since launched the MH Group—a local transportation network connecting visitors with drivers who know how to get to Andavadoaka.
This is what access looks like.
It’s not about handing down ideas—it’s about providing the space and tools so people can decide what development looks like for themselves. Tourism can provide those tools, but only if communities have the power to direct where it goes.
I’m proud of the work we’re doing at TourOnePlanet with vendors across the country—but especially proud of Valerio with Alefa Vezo, and Bien with MH Group, who are leading the way in my favorite place in the world: Andavadoaka.
“Act for a Positive Impact!” https://www.facebook.com/share/18xE7MStdg/?mibextid=wwXIfr