Environmental Assessment
Volume C-4.5
Slurry Pipeline
Protected Areas
Ambatovy Project
161
January 2006
The proposed Mantadia-Zahamena Conservation area
does not have any
protected status but is in the process of being defined as a type of
Site de
Conservation
by the Government of Madagascar, with input from other
interested parties. The precise boundaries and protected status of the area have
yet to be established, but are expected to be finalized in 2006. The protected area
is planned to accommodate area for both biodiversity protection (75%) and
multiple-use areas (25%).
Mantadia National Park is representative of the humid tropical forests of eastern
Madagascar, characterized by high levels of biodiversity and endemicity. In
particular, the park is known for orchid species, landscape features such as
waterfalls, dense rainforest cover, and exceptionally rich populations of endemic
frogs and reptiles. Mantadia National Park is relatively accessible for tourists
from Andasibe, the closest town to the park, and offers trails and campsites for
tourists.
Other proposed or existing protected areas within the slurry pipeline RSA are
Zahamena National Park, Analamazaotra Special Reserve, Betampona Natural
Reserve, Mangerivola Special Reserve and Maromiza State Forest / private
protected areas.
Additional details concerning all proposed and existing protected areas in the
mine LSA and RSA are provided in Volume J, Section 6.1.
4.5.4
Issue Scoping
Protected areas constitute both a source of tourism income and a way to preserve
the natural heritage of Madagascar. Effects on these areas, both existing and
proposed, must be considered and minimized wherever possible, either by
choosing appropriate location and routing options or by applying effective
mitigations.
Potential effects of the slurry pipeline on protected areas may occur due to:
•
direct alteration of habitat within an area due to project development;
•
fragmentation of habitat within an area due to project development;
1
In the new Arrêté 20-021, ratified on December 30, 2005, the corridor is referred to as the
Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor (CAZ). In addition, this Arrêté proposes a new set of boundaries
for the temporary protection of the conservation area to be created. This information was not
available while the EA was being conducted and therefore the EA reflects the state of affairs as of
mid 2005.
