Toamasina, October 22, 2020
On October 22, 2020, Ambatovy returned over 1,800 archaeological artifacts found on its site, two catalogs and four maps of archaeological work at the Mine and its surrounding areas to the Vavitiana Museum, a new museum in Ampasimazava, in Toamasina. The archaeological objects consisted of local pottery: pot, jug, jar, bowl, jar… and glass fragments that dated back from the 18th to the 20th century, according to a relative dating conducted by a team of archaeological experts from the University of Antananarivo.
This restitution is part of the Preventive Archaeology Program implemented by Ambatovy in accordance with its environmental commitments through the Environmental Management and Social Development Plan (PGEDS) and the Specific Environmental Management Plans (PGES) stated in its specifications. All activities relating to the protection of cultural heritage comply with the local customs and traditions, scientific procedures, and the IFC Performance Standards.
This event saw the presence of the Cabinet Director of the Ministry of Communication and Culture, Haja Rasoanarivo; the Director General of the National Library of Madagascar, Andrianjaka Raonison, the Director General of the National Office of Arts and Culture, Niry Rakotondrabe; the Regional Director of Communication and Culture in Atsinanana, Aniella Vololoniaina; and the Director of Heritage, Tina Lalaina Razafimanantsoa.
As a reminder, in 2014, Ambatovy contributed to the implementation of the Heritage Interpretation Center (CIP) in Toamasina to preserve and present to the public the archaeological artifacts found in its intervention areas between Moramanga and Toamasina.
These archaeological artifacts, which are part of the cultural history of the eastern region of Madagascar, will enable students and researchers to better know the past, understand the present and build the future of the region, i.e. contributing to the development of the Malagasy cultural identity and the economic development of the country.
Ambatovy attaches great importance to safeguarding and showcasing Malagasy cultural heritage. It has also changed the route of its pipeline during the construction work in order to safeguard the authenticity of the cultural sites.
