A new protected area in the Forest Corridor of Analamay-Mantadia (NAP-CFAM) will soon be created. This protected area will ensure habitat connectivity between existing conservation areas in the region including forests around the mine managed by Ambatovy, the Ankeniheny Zahamena Forest Corridor (CFAZ), the Mantadia National park and the wetland of Torotorofotsy, thereby creating one of the largest continuous expanses of protected habitats in Madagascar (over 450,000ha) and which includes several endangered species such as the critically endangered Diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema).
Of particular importance, the creation of this new protected area will ensure protection of a surviving population of the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur Prolemur simus (IUCN CR), one of the rarest lemurs in Madagascar and on the list of the top 25 most endangered primates of the world. According to recent surveys conducted by the Mitsinjo NGO with support from Ambatovy, the CFAM area contains about 50-70 individuals of this species or 10-20% of the known wild population.
A workshop to facilitate the establishment of this new area was held on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at the Emeraude Hotel in Moramanga, under the respective direction of the Alaotra Mangoro Region and the regional environment and forestry service. The specific objectives of the workshop were to discuss the boundary limits of NAP-CFAM and to ensure the engagement of key stakeholders in the creation of the protected area. To achieve success in this conservation project, Ambatovy works in close cooperation with the regional environment and forestry service, the local authorities, Conservation International and in consultation with the affected local populations and other stakeholders. Over three days, two consecutive meetings were held. During the first two days scientific, governmental, research organizations and experts met to discuss the research results and the inventories carried out for the delimitation of the protected area. On the final day, regional and local authorities, regional technical services and other stakeholders gathered to consider the scientific recommendations and declare their support to the establishment of the protected area. The next steps of the process include the inter-ministerial order for temporary legal protection (valid for 2 years), an environmental & social impact assessment, public consultations, the development of a management plan, the social protection plan where alternative incomes activities for populations are developed, and finally, the publication of the permanent protection decree. Ambatovy’s support to this conservation initiative demonstrates its commitment to the conservation of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
