Project Context
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BBOP Pilot Project Case Study – Ambatovy Project
paragraph 8 of Standard 6 is particularly relevant and requires the design of mitigation measures to achieve
no net loss of biodiversity where feasible. These measures may include a combination of actions, such as:
Post-operation restoration of habitats
Offset of losses through the creation of ecologically comparable area(s) that is managed for biodiversity
Compensation to direct users of biodiversity
The Project is thus designed to comply with the IFC Performance Standards for major projects.
2.2 Regional context
The Ambatovy Project has six components, including the mine, the slurry pipeline, the processing plant
(including refinery), the tailings management facility, the harbour extension and resettlement sites (see Figure
1). The Project covers a large territory extending over two of Madagascar’s twenty-two regions (Alaotra-
Mangoro and Toamasina). The mine is located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 m above sea level
(m.a.s.l.), near the town of Moramanga. The industrial complex (plant, tailings management facility and
harbour) is located 130 km to the northeast of the mine site, in the seaport city of Toamasina. A slurry pipeline
carrying a water laterite slurry, which contains the ore, links the mine and plant. The proposed Ankerana
offset, constituting the key component of the multifaceted offset programme, is situated in a very remote area
between the mine site and Toamasina.
As presented in the Project ESIA, the principal biodiversity sensitivities of the Project are concentrated in the
forested mine area and within the upper portion of the slurry pipeline, while social issues are relevant for all
components. Biodiversity resources within the mine region have strong intrinsic and
USE VALUES
and
communities there largely depend on these biodiversity resources for their
LIVELIHOODS
. However, in light of
current agricultural practices and population growth, natural resource and biodiversity utilisation by local
communities is far from sustainable in the mine region; the depletion is such that this natural capital will not be
available to future generations unless fundamental changes take place. The socioeconomic impacts on the
local communities from the Project’s offset programme will need to be considered. The mitigation of these
impacts needs to be designed in the context of national, regional and communal plans that address long-term
issues of sustainable resource use in the regions in which the Project operates.
