Environmental Assessment
Volume B-4.1
Mine
Flora
Ambatovy Project
172
January 2006
4.1.5.5 Impact Analysis
Residual Impacts
Residual Impacts to Azonal and Transitional Vegetation Types from Clearing
Activities
Activities related to construction and operation of the mine will result in direct
vegetation losses, especially for rare habitat types. There will be a loss of 1,326
ha of azonal and transitional vegetation types (a total of 46% of these habitats
relative to the LSA). This includes azonal forest (524 ha), azonal thicket (112
ha), disturbed azonal (347 ha), ephemeral ponds (4 ha), azonal type transitional
forest (87 ha) and transitional forest (241 ha) vegetation types. The magnitude of
the losses is deemed high, local in extent, of long-term duration and resulting in a
high environmental consequence (Table 4.1-6). Excavation of the ferricrete and
pisolite substrates that underlie these habitats will largely be irreversible.
Recognizing these facts and understanding the high importance of azonal and
transitional vegetation types to supporting rare and vulnerable plant species,
wildlife and biodiversity within the local area, the proponent is proposing a
comprehensive on-site and off-site mitigation plan to preserve the key habitat
elements of the forest landscape. In addition, the proponent will work with
Malagasy authorities, communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
to develop a long-term sustainable forest management plan for the region
surrounding the mine. Given current trends in habitat loss due to timber cutting
for construction, firewood and charcoal production both within Madagascar as a
whole, and locally, the proposed mitigation plan is expected to provide more
positive long-term benefits to the region than if the status quo were to remain
(see also Volume B, Section 5.3). The following provides greater detail on the
benefits of the proposed mitigation plan.
Creation of On-Site Azonal Conservation Area
Prior to mine development, two on-site azonal conservation areas totalling 305 ha
(11% of all azonal and transitional vegetation types in the LSA) will be
established within the bounds of the ore body complex (Figure 4.1-1,
Table 4.1-7). This initiative will be carried out in cooperation with local
communities and the ministry of environment, and integrated as a component of
the regional Forest Management Plan (see Volume B, Section 5.3).
Establishment of these two conservation areas in each of the ore bodies helps
ensure long-term representation of the major azonal vegetation types within the
region. These areas will not only provide protection for vulnerable and locally
endemic plants, but also provide protected rare wildlife habitat.
