Restoration and Biodiversity – one Pillar of HeidelbergCement’s Sustainability StrategyBy Dr. Michael RademacherEPBRS-FFRB “Biodiversity & Industry”Paris, 19th November

Slide 2 - 19.11.2008Dr. Michael Rademacher

Opencast Mining and Biodiversity - Assumptions

Activity of mining and nature conservation can be reconciled

Mining areas are important for nature conservation Quarries and pits are hot spots of biodiversityModern extraction and subsequent use planning can provide real benefits for natureNature conservation management and public relations are essential elements of sustainable raw materials extraction

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Biodiversity Research Study - Germany

Bavarian quarries and pits and the importance for the protection of species and nature conservationObjective– Investigation of the nature conservation

value of Bavarian quarries for flora and fauna

Background– literature study of 1008 quarries;– biological surveys in 52 quarries;– 0,006% of the country’s territory – investigated groups of species: – higher plants, birds, butterflies, burnets,

grasshoppers & crickets

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Results of the German Research Study

All the species find new habitat on 0,006% of country‘s territory!

41% (1039) of all Bavarian higher plant species detected 12,4% (87) of endangered Bavarian plant speciesRediscovery of extinct plant species of the regional Red Lists49% (99) of Bavarian breeding bird fauna65% (110) of Bavarian butterfly fauna53% (36) of Bavarian grasshopper fauna

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Biodiversity Management – Gravel pit Durmersheim

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Biodiversity Management – Gravel pit Durmersheim

The gravel pit shows a very high biodiversity– 230 species of higher plants,78 moss species, and 106 lichens. Out of

them, 22 (10 %), 22 (28 %) and 38 (36 %) species are endangered– Eight animal groups were studied: A total of 527 species was found, 216

(40 %) of them are endangeredExtensive management measures have been carried out to preserve the characteristic habitats and the species diversity of the gravel pit– conservation of the pioneer habitats 'dune vegetation‘ and 'open

temporary water zones‘– control of neophytes, clearance of shrub cover, mowing– development of BAP

Excursions with nature protection authorities, NGO’s and students from University

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Biodiversity Management – Gravel pit Durmersheim

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Biodiversity Indicators

Sustainability Indicators for an integrated management of raw material and nature conservationObjective – Develop and implement indicators for the qualitative

and quantitative measurement of Biodiversity to make the effect of nature conservation before, during and after the extraction measurable and predictable.

Partners– HeidelbergCement Technology Center (HTC)– Federal Association and Socio-political Working

Group of the German Cement Industry– AG.L.N. landscape planning consultant– University of Bingen

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Biodiversity Indicators

From the total of 56 indicators, 10 indicators could be selecteddue to extensive data analyses and discussionsExamples:– Number of habitats in the mining sites / Surfaces of the mining sites (ha)– Surfaces of the migratory biotopes of the mining sites (ha) / Surfaces of

the mining sites (ha)– Species figure of the plant species on the mining site / Species figure of

the plant species in the surrounding area– Portion of endangered species on the mining site / Portion of endangered

species in the surrounding area

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Biodiversity Indicators

A foresighted mining for natural resources, taking into account both an optimal use of raw material and the creation of open spaces, helps to minimize the effects of interferencesThe purpose is to develop and implement instruments to optimize the co-ordination between the extraction of natural resources and environmental protectionThe indicators will be used for the qualitative and quantitativemeasurement of biodiversity The indicators make the effect of nature conservation before, during and after the extraction of raw material measurable and predictable

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Biodiversity – one pillar of HeidelbergCement’s sustainability strategy

9th CoP9 (United Nations) – Bonn – May 2008: HC becomes partner in the « Business and Biodiversity Initiative »Development of a worldwide applicable guideline for recultivation of HC mining areas (strategy, instructions for actions, best practice examples)Establish local cooperation with independent NGO’s Start some best practice projects on high scientific level in cooperation with NGO’s, universities and consultants Integration of biodiversity in environment management systemBiodiversity is part of the new department „Group Environmental Sustainability“

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Thank You!