4
Opening speech by Mr. Frederic Randriamamonjy, Vice-President of the
Academy and Chairman of Section II
“I would like to welcome everyone to this meeting that brings together academics from the University of
Antananarivo, Toamasina and Toliara as well as persons from the world of science and culture. Today, Ambatovy,
the large mining company, is inviting us because they wish to submit the first results of their archaeological
discoveries found during construction to the Malagasy Academy. We are especially eager to hear the results
during this conference that I officially declare open on behalf of the President of the Academy.”
Speech by Mark Sitter, Deputy Director, External Relations of Ambatovy
Distinguished Guests,
“Six years ago, Ambatovy began doing archaeological research on the different sites where it planned to build
its facilities. This archaeological program, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage on all of its sites between
Moramanga and Toamasina, is one of the commitments that the company made with the Government of
Madagascar under its Environmental Management and Social Development Plan (PGEDS).
It should also be emphasized that this part of the island, which has an intense and rich history, lacks ethnographic
studies. Therefore, this program has a dual objective: to respect and promote Malagasy culture and to develop
scientific knowledge.
I would like to take this opportunity to recall that Ambatovy is a nickel and cobalt mining company, but is
especially engaged in a transparent and responsible manner in all of its activities.
Ambatovy always applies the highest standards. You certainly know the Investment and Environment
Compatibility Act (also known as the MECIE Decree), which covers other areas besides biodiversity. Ambatovy
also complies with the Equator Principles and the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards.
Without saying too much about what Ambatovy’s archaeologists will present, I can already say that the results are
interesting: more than 4,800 artifacts and nearly 260 sites have been discovered. Not to mention the fact that the
scientific knowledge about the cultural and historical heritage of the area between Toamasina and Moramanga
increased significantly. The capitalization of all this knowledge is also the very aim of this symposium.
Ambatovy can only be proud of itself and at the same time respect the richness found in the Malagasy culture
that is known for its diversity, intensity as well as its renowned and well-established fihavanana. May Ambatovy’s
contribution promote more the wealth and the value of the national culture.
I would like to thank all partners who have joined us throughout this endeavour: including the University of
Toamasina and the Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches Ethnologiques et Linguistiques (CEREL), the University
of Antananarivo, the Centre d’Art et d’Archéologie (CAA) and the Institut de Civilisations / Musée d’Art and
Archaeology (ICMAA).
Naturally, all of these institutions are under the trusteeship of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific
Research all of whom we would like to thank.
Your particular contribution is very important and sums up the significance of the work to be presented here
today.
Before closing, it is impossible for me to forget someone without whom all of this would have been impossible.
On behalf of Ambatovy, I would like to thank Mr. Jean-Aimé Rakotoarisoa, the “father”of the Archaeology
Program of the company. Your passion, your vision and your dedication are reflected in these results and let me
congratulate you warmly for the admirable work being done.
Thank you for your attention.”
Opening speech
