The Heritage Interpretation Center built by Ambatovy in Toamasina was inaugurated on September 24, 2014, by Louis-Roland Gosselin, Ambatovy’s Vice President, Sustainability and Vaonalaroy RANDRIANARISOA, Minister of Handicrafts, Culture and Heritage. The center was established to preserve and present to the public the archaeological artifacts found in Ambatovy’s intervention areas between Moramanga and Toamasina, which bear witness to the particular history of the populations in these regions. It thus ensures the preservation and enhancement of these collections. The signing of a restitution document of these objects was also held during the inauguration ceremony and a reward certificate was offered to Ambatovy by the Minister.
As a reminder, as part of its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, Ambatovy implemented a preventive archeology program, which involves the respect for all cultural heritage sites, artifacts and archaeological remains found in the districts of Moramanga, Brickaville and Toamasina in accordance with local customs, scientific procedures, and Performance Standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), before undertaking any construction. These archaeological works have led to the discovery of nearly 5,000 objects and 260 archaeological sites of importance in these regions, a significant contribution to the cultural history of the eastern region of Madagascar.
Ambatovy collaborated with the University of Toamasina and its Center for Ethnological and Linguistic Studies and Research (CEREL), the University of Antananarivo through the Center for Art and Archaeology (CAA), and the Institute of Civilization / Museum of Art and Archaeology (ICMAA) for the treatment, study and preservation of all the discovered archaeological objects. An archaeological publication on the synthesis of all the archaeological work conducted by Ambatovy was previously produced by Professor Jean Aimé Rakotoarisoa in order to preserve this valuable cultural heritage for present and future generations.
The Heritage Interpretation Center will provide the public with a permanent exhibition and will serve as a research, information and exchange space for national and international researchers and the population.
