A Unique Ecological Experience at Bedo Lake

Bedo Lake is one of 20 wetlands designated as Ramsar sites in Madagascar today.

Located in the Menabe Region, in the western part of the Big Island, the Bedo wetland extends over 2000 hectares of which the lake area alone is 412 hectares. Since 2007, it has been inscribed on the list of wetlands of international importance.

The treaty that was signed in 1971 in Iran and implemented in 1975 defines a Ramsar site as a space meeting the criteria established by the contracting parties at the convention. Thus, different types of habitat can be considered as Ramsar sites: marshes, peat bogs, floodplains, rivers and lakes, coastal areas such as salt marshes, mangroves and eelgrass beds, but also coral reefs and other marine areas up to six metres deep at low tide, and man-made wetlands such as sewage treatment ponds and retention lakes. Madagascar's accession to this convention dates from 1998.

A paradise for birdwatchers

Bedo Lake and its surrounding swamps are home to 64 species of birds, some of which are endemic and others endangered.

The site is thus a gold mine for serious bird watchers and also an exceptional showcase for amateurs. Among the 64 species, Bernier ducks, herons and flamingos can be spotted.

There are also various animal species, turtle and fish not to mention crocodiles. It should be noted that the Mandroatsy River and the Mozambique Channel meet at this lake.

If the fauna is considered a leading attraction of this site, the flora is not far behind.

This article was featured in Prime Magazine February 2018