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Recommendations
This study does not claim to have solved all the issues related to this region’s past.
The main objective of this publication is to raise awareness of the richness of Madagascar’s cultural heritage. The archaeological
surveys systematically covered the entire area within the footprint of Ambatovy’s components: plant, tailings, pipeline and mine.
The archaeological excavations carried out by the team revealed a lot of information that establishes the overall matrix for an initial
interpretation of the facts. The next steps will be to further research the findings by supporting the work of students working on their
Master’s degree.
Ambatovy may claim, not only to have fulfilled its preservation mission, but to have also significantly contributed to and improved the
knowledge of the history of Madagascar, in particular that of the eastern region between the Mine Site in Moramanga and the Plant
Site in Tamatave.
Therefore, ongoing work should ensure the security of these artifacts and make them publicly available. For this purpose, a series of
actions aimed at promoting this heritage, including the development of a comprehensive catalogue of the artifacts discovered that
will be presented to Malagasy authorities, have been scheduled.
Work should continue so that Ambatovy may obtain its social and cultural license to operate from the population, to whom the
company must report in accordance with the principles of transparency and accountability. It is necessary and important to show
to affected communities that Ambatovy has fully met all their requirements. The population now expects concrete action from
Ambatovy for the protection and promotion of some historical sites that have already been identified. The most important sites will be
rehabilitated.
Finally, the practical cultural tips on the following page might help those who wish to remain respectful and courteous towards the
local population: they remain valid throughout the country. Through its social teams, Ambatovy is committed to a new era of dialogue
with local communities especially in rural areas.
This document is a modest contribution, introducing you to the cultural riches of part of the amazing eastern region of Madagascar.
The bibliography may be of use to those who wish to learn more about Madagascar’s cultural heritage.
