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BBOP Pilot Project Case Study – Ambatovy Project
10. Project Outcomes
Actual outcomes
Since the offset is still in the design phase, the actual
CONSERVATION OUTCOMES
to date are limited. They
represent what the Project has achieved thus far and the benefits its shareholders already enjoyed, including:
Legal protection status: the extension of the temporary protection of Ankerana has been secured until the
Ministerial Decree for protection is finalisation;
Integration of Ankerana into the national protected areas network;
Coordination between government organisations, NGOs, local communities and the private sector;
Public awareness;
Reforestation activities; and
Forest and
TAXA
-specific conservation management plans: specific taxa conservation management
programs were developed for flora, lemurs, Mantella species and fish. Although these programs were
developed as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan, their importance is reinforced by their aim of ensuring the
conservation of azonal habitat and associated species, thus ensuring that all
KEY BIODIVERSITY
COMPONENT
s present on the impact site are present at the offset.
Anticipated outcomes
The benefits anticipated as the final outcome of the offset include:
Averted loss of forest habitat:
– The offset is designed to result in no net loss of biodiversity and will strive to attain a
NET GAIN
.
– The initial objective was to secure the Ankerana site, but with additional insight the Project is presently
aiming to extend the expanse of protected areas it will be managing indirectly (Ankerana) or directly
(e.g. the on-site mine area conservation zones).
– The Project aims to also spearhead the creation of the Analamay-Mantadia forest corridor enabling
connectivity between the mine area conservation areas and the SAPM.
Community benefits: The creation of the offset will be conducted though integration of a socioeconomic
and cultural component, which is the key to its long-term viability. A socio-environmental compensation
programme will be designed during 2009 and subsequently to support social integration and ensure this.
The programme will assess the compensation options available. Its partnerships with NGOs and agencies
such USAID, PACT and ERIE will provide valuable insights. Specific activities that will be explored include
fuel wood reforestation using native species, planting in suitable locations that avoid biodiversity impacts of
biofuel crops (e.g., Jatropha plant), aquaculture and improved crop yield techniques. The programs will be
integrated with social programs, especially complementary educational and family planning programs that
contribute to reductions in human pressure on natural resources and forests. Other programs that will be
critical to the overall success of the offset include fire management, hunting / bushmeat management and
forest resource management.
