Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Our reference framework

Environmental Management Plan (PGE): Our reference framework

Scientific knowledge of the Ivondro river is one of the most advanced in Madagascar, thanks to the installation of the Volobe 1 hydroelectric dam, built in 1929 and commissioned in 1931. Since 1901, monitoring of rainfall in the catchment area and hydrology has been carried out by technicians of the time. This knowledge has been strengthened by the continuation of studies linked to the preparation of the installation of the Volobe amont hydroelectric project since 2017, where environmental and social impact studies (ESIAs) are also being carried out. Five years of studies to identify and assess any potential impacts of the project on the natural and social environment, and to propose measures to eliminate, mitigate or possibly compensate for negative impacts and enhance positive ones. In December 2022, ONE delivered the environmental permit to CGHV, along with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in the form of environmental specifications.

The positive impacts of the dam

Document and working tool with multiple dimensions :
The development of the Volobe amont hydroelectric scheme is divided into three phases:

Preparation phase
Construction phase
Operating phase

The EMP sets out our commitments to managing the potential negative and positive impacts of the project throughout all these phases. It defines the standards and guidelines to be applied in terms of environmental legislation, policy and standards. The plan describes the issues, the environmental and social impacts, and the measures and provisions to be taken in terms of management and design.

The aim of this plan is to ensure that the development of the :

Complies with applicable legal, environmental and social requirements.
Identify the necessary and required mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts and enhancement measures to maximise positive impacts.
Ensure that all mitigation measures and recommendations made during the ESIA are implemented.
Identify human resource requirements to ensure the PGE’s effectiveness.
Draw up documents to facilitate implementation of the PGE

The Volobe amont project is one of the Malagasy government’s priority projects and comprises a number of different components:
The main infrastructure: a 26m-high gravity dam with a crest length of 330m, a demodulation dam at the release point, a 2.7km intake gallery, an underground plant equipped with six 20MW turbines, for a total installed capacity of 120MW, a 4.1km release gallery, a 75m-long open-air channel to the river, and a demodulation weir at the future Ivondro crossing (bridge). Associated infrastructure such as access roads, bases, technical facilities, a 150m bridge, a transformer substation at the plant and an evacuation line with a connection to the existing Toamasina substation.
The installation and construction of these infrastructures require compliance with legal and regulatory provisions in order to better address the various socio-economic and environmental issues and opportunities associated with the project.

This EMP is a flexible and dynamic tool that will be supplemented by Specific Environmental Management Plans (SEMPs) as the project progresses. It may be revised by mutual agreement between CGHV and ONE if necessary, or following monitoring work coordinated by ONE or by the ministries concerned.
It should be emphasised that some of the measures defined are only at the preliminary stage, and in several cases their exact parameters have not yet been confirmed. Further clarification is required during the preparation of the ESMPs.
Foundations of our legal obligations and voluntary commitments

The laws and regulations that apply to the Project in accordance with the MECIE Decree,
International conventions ratified by the Republic of Madagascar and international norms and standards.
The electricity code.
The water code.
Our voluntary commitments, including the integrated management of Health, Prevention and
Environment, Quality (SPEQ).
The views of the local community and various local, regional, national and international stakeholders.