Environmental Assessment
Volume A-6
Introduction
Consultation
however, the Torotorofotsy is of concern, as this is the location of
endemic species, is a Ramsar site, is gaining economic importance as a
tourism site and provides livelihoods for people. (Ampasimpotsy,
Andasibe).
•
Locally endemic species: The ore body lies under, and has helped
create, rare azonal forest habitats, which support locally endemic flora
and fauna. There was concern that mining could significantly affect
these species which may not occur elsewhere in Madagascar.
(Andasibe).
Social
•
Local employment: There was strong feeling that the mine should
maximize the employment of local people, and target employment to
youth. There was concern to see that any such employment is equitably
distributed and that working conditions are just and safe. (Morarano,
Moramanga, Ampasimpotsy, Andasibe, Ambohibary).
•
Vulnerable groups: There was concern that the many people will not
benefit from employment by the mine, but nevertheless may be
negatively affected by the project, through for example inflationary
effects on the cost of living, loss of livelihood resources or health
impacts. (Ambatovy workforce).
•
Continued access to forest resources: There are some people whose
livelihoods depend on access to the land within the boundaries of the
mine site, specifically for rice cultivation but also for various forms of
forest resource harvesting. Given this economic dependence there was
concern raised that the presence of the mine will both result in removal
of forest resources and reduce access to the remaining forest.
(Morarano).
•
Requirements for property: The project will require property to develop
the mine and its associated infrastructure, including the pipeline. People
expressed concern about the terms of expropriation and/or resettlement,
particularly since livelihoods depend on this land and few have clear
title to the lands they use. For some people, losing land in exchange for
jobs is not considered a real option. (Morarano, Ampasimpotsy,
Andasibe, Ambohibary).
•
Boundaries: There was concern in Ampasimpotsy and Andasibe that
their claims that the ore bodies were at least partially within the
commune boundaries be acknowledged.
•
Inflation: There was concern that increased economic activity implied
by the mine development, the import of skilled workers and the arrival
of migrants, will have an effect on the cost of living. (Morarano).
Ambatovy Project
34
January 2006
