2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
38
To be effective in these areas, we endeavour to operate with
the following philosophy:
12
3
Our relationships matter
3
The nature of our relationships is predictable
3
People everywhere get annoyed about the
same issues
3
Viewpoint matters
3
Our impacts are never neutral
3
How we operate determines the degree of control
we have over outcomes
3
Positive relationships are built on solid foundations
3
Maintaining relationships requires continuous effort
We are driven by the desire to build and maintain a
constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with our
communities. That is dependent upon achieving the following
goals:
3
Ensure benefits, such as jobs, contracts and projects,
are distributed in a way that is seen as fair and
transparent.
3
Promote behaviour that is respectful.
3
Recognise and be held accountable for indirect project
impacts, such as increased vulnerability, population
influx and social change.
We know that how Ambatovy distributes benefits and
manages side effects of our activities determines whether we
get it right or get it wrong with our communities. We seek to
embed our philosophy by consistently articulating our values,
code of conduct and guiding principles and implementing a
robust set of practices.
C3.2 Resettlement
As a result of the tailings and plant site construction, people
living in these areas had to be resettled. Obtaining local,
national and international stakeholder acceptance of the
resettlement process was a key factor for the Project to obtain
our social license to operate in the area.
Following the World Bank’s principles on involuntary
resettlement and the IFC’s guidelines for resettlement
action plans, Ambatovy built two villages, Vohitrambato and
Marovato. Covering a combined area of 1,100 ha, these sites
are now host to the resettled population. The new villages
offer the relocated populations access to many social services
lacking in most rural areas of Madagascar, such as access
to education, health, proper housing and clean drinking
water. These services are critical ingredients for building the
capabilities of these communities and their residents.
With the resettlement phase completed in 2008, Ambatovy
has since been active in these villages implementing
a comprehensive Social Development Plan. This Plan
was established using participatory processes aimed at
sustainably improving the quality of life.
Food Security and Agricultural Improvement
Ambatovy offers agricultural extension services, tools and
seeds as a way of improving livelihoods. Programs apply a
diversified approach to agriculture, working with villagers to
implement short-cycle subsistence crops, market gardening,
perennial crops and forest production. Ambatovy has already
seen the benefits of the agricultural extension program. By
2010, the Project was no longer providing the villages with the
majority of inputs and there had been a marked increase in
agricultural production and domestic composting for fertilizer.
To complement agricultural activities, Ambatovy worked with
a local non-governmental organization to improve village
nutrition. Cooking demonstrations and nutritional education
are given to adults and fifth grade students, who are often
responsible for cooking while their parents work.
12
From Zandvliet, Luc and Mary B. Anderson.
Getting it Right: Making Corporate-Community Relations Work
. Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing, 2009.
resettlement at a glance
3
296 new homes
3
A plot of agricultural land for each household
3
A community health centre, primary school and
two preschools
3
New roads, bridges and irrigation canals
3
150 ha of flat, arable land provided for rice
production
3
An additional 47 ha allocated and prepared for
vegetable gardens and fruit trees
C3. Social Performance
