There was a time not so long ago when Miavana’s island home felt out of rhythm. Nature was still here in the trees, in the tides, in the calls of distant birds but it had lost its harmony. Invasive species had crept in, crowding out the native flora, reshaping habitats that once overflowed with life. The forest had thinned, marine life was threatened, and the island was holding its breath.
When Time + Tide arrived on this faraway shore, we came with a quiet commitment: to listen.
We listened to the land, the sea, and to the local communities who have lived in tune with them for generations. And so began a journey of rewilding, a patient collaboration with nature to restore what had been lost, and gently make space for what would return.
We started with the forest. Removing invasive plants and trees and replacing them with more than 100,000 trees native to this island. These trees are not only beautiful; they are the bones and breath of this place. They feed the soil, offer shelter to wildlife, and stitch together a rich, multi-layered canopy.
With the trees came the wildlife. Most joyfully, the crowned lemurs. In 2017 and again in 2019, we worked with Malagasy authorities and international conservation groups to relocate this endangered species from areas of poaching and deforestation to Miavana’s protected sanctuary. Here, they have flourished. Families have formed and babies continue to be born, proof that they are happy on their new island home.
The birds came next. Sunbirds, coucals, herons, terns, and even the grey-headed lovebird, among other beautiful species. Their calls now ring through the forest and across the seas, each one a song of return. On the forest floor, native orchids and medicinal plants like Rauvolfia have emerged. Butterflies dance, bees fly from flower to flower, and the island’s insect life is steadily growing stronger adding a quiet and joyful hum to the sound of the island.
Beneath the waves, another transformation is unfolding. The reefs that fringe Miavana were once stressed by overfishing but are growing strong. We’ve planted coral nurseries and together with local fishing communities, we’ve shared knowledge about sustainable practices that keep the ocean thriving for all. Marine protection honours the sea’s abundance while supporting sustainable fishing for generations to come.
Today, a snorkel or dive reveals a dazzling world below the surface: Acropora corals branching like antlers, shoals of parrotfish and snapper weaving through the reef, turtles drifting lazily past, and sightings of dolphins and reef sharks are becoming ever more frequent – a good indicator of reef health. This is all proof that our surrounding ocean is regaining its balance.
Miavana is no longer just an island getaway. It’s a living, breathing celebration of Madagascar’s wildlife. It’s a place where the forest meets the reef, and where guests can witness the joy of nature in full swing. Whether it’s a lemur’s gaze through the leaves or a flash of colour beneath the waves, there’s always something stirring, always something alive. The island is breathing deeply again.
Come let us show you…
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