32 Motorised pirogues allow fishermen to reach new fishing areas up to 14 kilometres from Fort Dauphin.
The construction Phase Through close consultations with the affected communities and support from the government and the World Bank, most of the issues have been resolved. All claims for compensation have been investigated and 91.5 per cent of the claims have been settled. From the beginning, QMM stressed the objective of the resettlement programme was more than to simply provide cash or in-kind compensation for the loss of land or assets, but to ensure livelihoods were restored, if not improved. Livelihood restoration projects have since been implemented in collaboration with Cielo Terra, the regional government, the World Bank and QMM to increase literacy, improve fishing, aquaculture, agriculture and develop handicraft production. Community health initiatives have also been implemented and infrastructure built, including wells, latrines, a community drugstore, a basic health centre and a training centre. A Weir and the Andrakaraka Fishermen Part of the infrastructure included the construction of a weir in the lagoons downstream from lake Ambavarano. During the extraction and separation of minerals from sand, fresh water is used. The weir was built to prevent salt-water intrusion into the lagoon system, from where water is pumped to the mineral separation plant (MSP). This infrastructure also allows future restoration efforts to take place, as salt water cannot be used for replanted forests and fuel-wood plantations. The Ambavarano lake and lagoon system is important in the daily lives of surrounding communities, who fish from the lake and use the water system to access the ocean. To identify users and stakeholders, define issues and impacts and develop a management plan and communication strategy, an impact assessment was undertaken with the various stakeholders. To accommodate local fishing boats and tourist vessels, a lock was built as per suggestions from stakeholders’. The weir has been a point of dispute for some stakeholders. The new infrastructure has been perceived to restrict movement, while contributing to diminished fish intake. To investigate these grievances, extensive surveys were commissioned. Studies tracked and recorded species variety and quantity and the lagoon system users. Restricting the natural flow of water, the weir changed the lake and lagoon ecosystem from a brackish ecosystem to a freshwater ecosystem, which has in turn influenced the aquatic species living in the system. Certain species thrive, while others decline in the new freshwater system. The surveys also discovered fishermen increased by three-fold during the study period, which has contributed to overfishing. Measures were established to mitigate many of the weir’s impacts. To strengthen technical capacities and enhance intake, theoretical and practical training was offered to users. New regulation fishing nets were distributed, as the previous use of small mesh nets contributed to reduced fish numbers and environmental damage. Microfilament rope, weighing scales and traps were provided. Fibreglass pirogues and motors were supplied, with trainings conducted on motor maintenance and use. An association of fishermen from Andrakaraka, FIMIRA, was formed to manage the lagoon system. Eighty-four lake and sea fishermen benefited from the initial project. Transition to sustainable fishing practices has not been easy, particularly the use of large mesh nets and initial neglect of women’s roles in marketing the fish. However, continuing dialogue with the fishermen and an increase in fish stocks are addressing the remaining points of dispute. The Programme de Développement Intégré (PDI, or Integrated <strong>Development</strong> Programme) is currently being implemented to mitigate impacts of the weir and ensure the affected population continues to receive support. 33
Change language