The Offset Design Process
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BBOP Pilot Project Case Study – Ambatovy Project
7.3 The offset design process
7.3.1 Step 1: Review project scope and activities
The nature, scope and geographical location of the Ambatovy offset programme was outlined in the ESIA as a
COMPENSATION
measure that would go above and beyond the expected regulatory commitments. The basic
Ambatovy offset concept was presented and discussed in the many stakeholder public information meetings
associated with the ESIA review. As Ambatovy was accepted as a BBOP Pilot project in 2006, a more
structured approach was developed, which led to the multifaceted programme outlined in Section 3.2.
7.3.2 Step 2: Review the legal framework and / or policy context for a biodiversity offset
The key elements of the legal framework and policy context for the Ambatovy Project’s biodiversity offset
programme comprise the MECIE decree, the Madagascar Action Plan (MAP) 2007 – 2012, the regional and
communal development plans and the
EQUATOR PRINCIPLES
. Further information on these and other regulatory
requirements is provided in Section 2.1.
7.3.3 Step 3: Initiate a stakeholder participation process
As noted previously, the Ambatovy Project obtained its permit from the Malagasy regulatory authorities in
December 2006, based on a large ESIA that involved public information, consultation and enquiry throughout
the development and review process. Subsequently stakeholder consultations have been central to
discussions on integrating the offset programme with national, regional and local plans. At the Ankerana offset
site, the community buy-in process is progressing well and precedes the hard-core biological assessment that
can only be conducted after full community participation is demonstrated.
The offset stakeholder participation process can be summarised as:
Confirming key stakeholders (the JV partners, government, financiers, NGOs and local communities, see
Section 2.3);
Engaging stakeholders in the offset design process by presenting and discussing the offset’s objectives
and the proposed implementation process;
Engaging communities in the offset design process by assessing the impact the offset will bring about and
agreeing on an acceptable
MITIGATION
strategy; and
Integrating stakeholder feedback into the design process, especially with respect to land use in the multiple
use areas (site zoning); this part of the process is in its initial stage and will continue throughout the offset
zoning processes.
7.3.4 Step 4: Determine the need for an offset based on residual adverse effects
This section describes how the Ambatovy offset planning team:
1. Assessed the likely impacts on biodiversity caused by the Ambatovy Project;
2. Prepared a Key Biodiversity Components Matrix (KBCM);
3. Applied the mitigation hierarchy;
4. Determined residual impacts; and
5. Checked whether these residual impacts could be offset.
