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BBOP Pilot Project Case Study – Ambatovy Project
4. How the Ambatovy Project is
Applying the BBOP Principles
During the ESIA in 2004 and 2005, the Ambatovy Project initiated its offset programme based on an improved
understanding of
RESIDUAL IMPACTS
and the need for developing compensatory conservation activities. In
2006, Ambatovy became a
BBOP PILOT PROJECT
and refined its initial offset vision and the design approach
was tailored according to the guidelines provided by the BBOP Secretariat and Advisory Committee.
The
BBOP PRINCIPLES ON BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS
were finalised in December 2008
3
, following several years of
groundwork including the development of draft guidance and tools. The Project’s offset initiative was
developed alongside, and is generally well-aligned with, the BBOP Principles. The Project’s alignment with the
BBOP Principles is illustrated in more detail in Section 7. The Project applies the BBOP Principles as follows:
1. No net loss:
The Project’s aim is to achieve measurable conservation outcomes that deliver
NO NET LOSS
of biodiversity
and a possible net gain through a mix of complementary offset and mitigation activities, including:
An offset site at Ankerana that contains a core conservation area designed to compensate for the Project’s
residual impacts on azonal forest biodiversity.
Protection of viable tracts of azonal forest habitats through the set-aside of two specific on-site azonal
forest habitat conservation zones within the forests surrounding the mine footprint (see next point).
Implementation of a ‘no species
EXTINCTION
’ commitment and protection of forests surrounding the mine
footprint to ensure the long-term viability of priority species populations impacted by the Project. This
approach would include the on-site azonal forest habitat conservation zones and mechanisms to control
current human pressure on these areas.
Design and implementation of protection measures for an existing residual forest corridor linking forests
surrounding the mine area and the Mantadia National Park to ensure landscape-level forest connectivity.
Targeted reforestation of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, in partnership with government and local
NGOs, to re-establish forest connectivity between Mantadia National Park and the Man and the Biosphere
Private Reserve.
Development of the Ramsar Torotorofotsy Management Plan in partnership with government and local
NGOs, and contribution to its subsequent implementation.
Progressive rehabilitation at the mine site to produce a multifunctional replacement forest with reinstated
biodiversity values to be included in the offset calculation.
To date, the Project’s offset planners have used BBOP guidance and methodologies to assess the impact on
biodiversity and to identify potential sites for biodiversity offsets. BBOP methodologies will also be followed to
3
The full text of the BBOP Principles is available in the BBOP document “Business, Biodiversity Offsets and BBOP: An Overview” –
see
