The Offset Design Process
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BBOP Pilot Project Case Study – Ambatovy Project
Figure 3: Mine area, showing conservation zones (green) that constitute on-site offset area (including
azonal, transitional and zonal forests)
The mine restoration programme includes progressive footprint rehabilitation through erosion control,
reforestation with targeted species and facilitated secondary successions. The aim is to produce a
multifunctional replacement forest with biodiversity values that can be included in the offset calculation (by
reducing the residual impact on biodiversity that will require offsetting). The pipeline restoration programme
will focus on targeted reforestation of the right of way.
7.3.4.4 Determining residual impacts
The Project’s most significant residual impacts will occur at the mine site. Residual impacts caused by the
other key Project components are limited as these components are located in areas that are already heavily
and historically degraded. Nonetheless, these less significant residual impacts will also be included in the
offset calculations.
The Project’s residual impacts are summarised below.
Direct negative impacts
The total loss of habitats as progressive clearance of the mine footprint (1,336 hectares, excluding the
environmental buffer) proceeds in an ecologically sensitive natural forest mosaic. Following clearance
some areas will be built on and / or eventually mined. In the areas lost to
DIRECT IMPACT
the
HABITAT TYPES
were identified (azonal, transitional and zonal forests, ephemeral ponds and streams) and the quality of
