Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.4
Slurry Pipeline
Natural Habitats and Biodiversity
Ambatovy Project
159
January 2006
are predicted to be of low magnitude, local in geographic extent, and continue
over the medium-term. During closure, ongoing reclamation and cessation of
activities are anticipated to reverse residual impacts (except for the loss of
wetlands near the Toamasina study area) to negligible magnitude. The extent of
the effects will be local and medium-term duration. The project’s forest
restoration trials will add value and biodiversity understanding. Overall, the
environmental consequence of the pipeline component of the project on natural
habitats and biodiversity is predicted to be low during construction and operation,
and negligible during closure.
There is some probability that the project will result in small negative impacts to
natural habitats and associated biodiversity within the study area. A monitoring
program will be implemented to ensure the effectiveness of mitigation and detect
unanticipated effects. The results of monitoring programs for flora, fauna and
aquatic habitats will be used as biodiversity indicators, providing direct feedback
to adaptive management for implementing appropriate changes to mitigation.
