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== Management and Classification ==
In 1927, thanks to the biological, geological and archaeological characteristics of the Antsingy, the area was classified as Nature Reserve No. 9. Thereafter it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990 and National Cultural Heritage Site in 1991. In August 1997, a part of the reserve was changed to national park status to allow the development of ecotourism.
Referring to the international classification of the protected area, following the categorisation by the
Within the western ecoregion, Bemaraha is a centre of endemism both for flora and fauna. It is one of the protected areas that is the richest in faunistic species and especially in karstic ecosystems (in the western ecoregion).
The protected area of Tsingy de Bemaraha complex also plays an important ecological role in the wider region. It is a water source for the entire downstream part of the Bemaraha plateau, especially at the level of the Manambolomaty lakes complex (one of the three RAMSAR sites in Madagascar - wetlands of international importance) and at the level of the rice granary of the region: Lake Bemamba.
The rivers draining the Antsingy are permanent streams. It is not the rivers or streams originating in the Antsingy that are responsible for this ecological function but it is the forest cover on limestone plateau. It retains the rainwater and then allows it to infiltrate little by little and feed the springs throughout the year.
== Conservation targets ==
Endemic species require specific conservation actions as they are subject to pressure. They are key elements in the protected area and are referred to as "conservation targets".
For the protected area of Tsingy de Bemaraha complex they are:
* '''Fauna species'''
* '''Habitats'''
** dense dry forest on limestone plateau: Highly fragmented forest formation; tpyical vegetation on karst (very fragile); natural habitat of many wildlife species
** water system: The water system that drains the Antsingy has positive impacts on the ecological balance of the region, but currently there is a slight decrease in water regime
Note: Plant species are not to be considered as conservation targets in their own right, as it is better to manage forest habitats to conserve plant species rather than to manage them individually.
== Landscape ==
The Tsingy appear as true cathedrals of limestone, shaped by a very dense network of rifts, crevasses and surfaces of limestone blocks carved in blades or sharp needles. These limestone rocks, formed by a deposit of fossils and shells under the sea 200 million years ago, were subsequently shaped by rain 5 million years ago. Today , the Tsingy offer one of the most spectacular landscapes of Madagascar or the whole world.
== Tickets, guides and entrance fees ==
The park office is located in Andadoany, near the ferry of the Manambolo river, 2km from Bekopaka (south of the park). Here one can find all the information needed for a visit to make a stay in the park a memorable one, including tourist information, guides, park entrance fees and guide fees.
It is possible to pay directly on location for all the services offered by the park, including admission fee, guides and boat fees.
Another access to the park is entrance exists in the north in Antsalova, where also a reception desk can be found.
Bemaraha National Park has 23 independent guides and eight 8 park agents. The majority of the guides are affiliated to an association. All guides benefit from training sessions on guidance techniques, language improvement, geology, fauna and flora and customs and traditions.
