Our Philosophy
At Miremby, we believe in community-led tourism that benefits both locals and travellers. By working directly with local communities, we take the time to understand how they want to engage with visitors, ensuring their voices shape every project we design. Our initiatives provide travellers with an authentic insight into daily life, from traditional weaving workshops in Sainte Luce to fishing and algae farming demonstrations in Saradrano. Each project highlights unique cultural practices, empowering locals to showcase their skills while fostering sustainable tourism. The money used to participate in or interact with these projects goes directly to the local community, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their time and expertise. We also cover the costs of any materials needed for tourists to participate, making sure no one is out of pocket. Through the Miremby Foundation, we further support these projects, helping to keep them alive and thriving, with donations always welcomed to enhance their impact. As proud members of the Global Community Tourism Network and certified as a Community Impact Partner by Planeterra, we are committed to creating meaningful, impactful experiences that prioritise community needs and aspirations.
The Miremby Silver Project is a collaboration with Hery, a talented silversmith, to revitalise the art of silver crafting in Madagascar. Despite Hery’s exceptional skill in creating beautiful silver bracelets, the local demand for these pieces has dwindled, putting this traditional craft at risk. With Miremby’s support, Hery has developed an engaging silver-making workshop, offering tourists the unique opportunity to design and create their own bracelet or earrings from start to finish. Inspired by the popularity of similar projects in places like Bali, this workshop brings a fresh cultural experience to Madagascar. Visitors can immerse themselves in the intricate process of silversmithing, guided by Hery’s expertise, while contributing to the preservation of this endangered craft. By participating, tourists not only take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake but also help sustain the art of silversmithing, empowering artisans like Hery to keep this tradition alive.
The Mahampy Project in Sainte Luce offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and traditions through the versatile mahampy reed. Sonimeny and Behery, two skilled artisans, demonstrate how this remarkable natural resource is woven into their daily lives. Sonimeny uses mahampy to craft beautiful baskets and traditional mats that are essential in every household, while Behery relies on it for crafting sturdy lobster pots for his fishing livelihood. During their visit, tourists will learn about the entire process—from how mahampy is grown, harvested, dried, and dyed, to its intricate weaving into everyday goods. Visitors can try their hand at weaving a small mahampy placemat or bracelet as a keepsake and even assist Behery with preparing his lobster pots, gaining a genuine insight into the lives and traditions of the Sainte Luce community.
The Miremby Market to Meal Project is a vibrant initiative designed to celebrate and preserve traditional cooking techniques while empowering local women. With the influence of the western world becoming more prominent, many traditional culinary methods are at risk of being lost, often not passed on to the next generation. This project seeks to change that by working with local women to keep these cherished techniques alive. Tourists have the chance to immerse themselves in this rich cultural experience by visiting the local market to select fresh produce before joining the women to cook traditional dishes using time-honoured methods. Guests not only get to enjoy the delicious results but also gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and heritage involved. This project enables local women to earn a fair wage from their cooking expertise, fostering pride in their traditions while sharing them with others. By supporting the Market to Meal Project, visitors contribute directly to sustaining these cultural practices and empowering the community.
The Tanala community in Ranomafana has undergone a significant transformation, adapting to a new way of life after being displaced from their ancestral home in the national park. Once deeply connected to the forest, they have had to learn and embrace new livelihoods, such as growing and harvesting coffee. This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity to preserve elements of their heritage while integrating into a different lifestyle.
As a tourist, you’ll have the chance to visit the Tanala community and gain a deeper understanding of their journey. Explore how coffee is grown, harvested, and used, while learning about the community’s resilience and the innovative ways they’ve adapted to their new circumstances. The money from this project directly supports the community, helping them develop sustainable livelihoods, integrate into their new environment, and preserve the cultural traditions they hold dear. This experience not only offers a unique insight into their lives but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to support and empower the Tanala people as they navigate this transition.
In Ranomafana, Miremby has established a Silk Weaving Project that highlights the remarkable skills of local women artisans. These talented women use traditional silk weaving techniques, operating intricate machines to create stunning silk scarves that reflect their rich cultural heritage. Tourists visiting this project will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from the artisans themselves. From harvesting silk from silkworms to preparing the threads and weaving the final garment, visitors gain a hands-on understanding of this fascinating craft.
This project not only preserves a cherished tradition but also empowers the women of Ranomafana by providing them with a platform to showcase their artistry and connect directly with visitors. Guests can even try their hand at the process, gaining a true appreciation for the skill and effort involved, before purchasing a beautiful handmade silk scarf as a meaningful keepsake. By supporting this initiative, the project helps to sustain local livelihoods, celebrate cultural heritage, and foster a deeper connection between tourists and the community.
The Miremby Sustainable Coastal Livelihood Project in Saradrano offers tourists a unique insight into the daily lives of this coastal community and their sustainable way of living. In this small village, seaweed farming plays a vital role in generating income, with both men and women actively participating in the process. Visitors will have the chance to hear firsthand how seaweed is cultivated and harvested, learning about the techniques involved and the journey from collection to storage and use.
The experience also provides an opportunity to see the traditional pirogues used for fishing and transportation, offering a glimpse into the rhythms of life along the coast. By engaging with the community and witnessing their sustainable practices, tourists gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of Saradrano. This project not only showcases the community’s way of life but also supports their efforts to maintain sustainable livelihoods while preserving their rich coastal traditions.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
