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Sustainable development and Community relations |
Integrated Development Programme (IDP)Integrated Development Plan (IDP)
QMM recognised that the acquisition of land can affect the livelihoods of people who live, work, or otherwise depend on the land acquired. QMM’s land use negotiations and compensation principles were informed primarily by Rio Tinto's The way we work but also in strict compliance with a variety of regulatory frameworks, including:
- The Environmental Management Plan;
- The Government of Madagascar's Mining Code;
- The World Bank's Safeguards Policies.
The port project involved the resettlement of some 80 households and the compulsory acquisition of land (or Public Utility Declaration “DUP” process). Since mid-2005 a meticulous and detailed communications and compensation process has been followed under the auspices of the government and with the oversight of the World Bank. Together with these agencies, QMM implemented comprehensive measures to adequately compensate persons directly impacted by the project. The overall package of benefits exceeds Malagasy and World Bank requirements.
The DUP process has not been without challenges and there were protests in early 2007 though these were quickly resolved. The nature and amount of compensation, particularly for replacement land has been problematic but has been addressed through close consultation with the affected communities and the support of the government and World Bank.
An in-depth livelihood baseline assessment was undertaken in 2007 to inform the Integrated Development Plan (also called Support Programme for PAPs). The baseline study identified and targeted particularly vulnerable groups such as women, ethnic minorities, the very poor and other socially or economically disadvantaged populations. These groups are often the most adversely affected, and the least equipped to benefit from the positive impacts of the project. An Integrated Development Plan (IDP) has been set up from 2007 and work on key sectors such as fishing, handicraft, farming, agriculture, health and education.
Also, negotiations with the local community for temporary occupation of the Mandena deposit resulted in an IDP that brings together the environmental and social objectives of the Environmental Management Plan. Negotiations with the community were underpinned by a DINA, a traditional Malagasy social contract designed to manage potential sources of social conflict. The elements of the IDP have been operational since 2002, in various forms. They include:
- Eco-tourism and other income generating activities;
- Improved agriculture;
- Community based natural resource management activities;
- Plantations;
- Improved fishing practices;
- Restoration and conservation zone management;
- Improved education and community health services;
- Adult literacy programmes;
- Sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS prevention programmes.
