Environment
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Protecting biodiversity

For Lafarge, the rehabilitation of its 900 quarries is a priority. The objective is to preserve the animal and plant ressources present in these natural environments. This commitment is all the more important in 2010, the year of biodiversity, as declared by the UN.

A biodiversity management system

Lafarge has established a comprehensive biodiversity management system in partnership with the WWF:

  • a specific methodology,
  • tools to evaluate the challenges of the site,
  • programs to maintain and improve biodiversity.

The objective is to work with local environmental associations to establish biodiversity development plans for sites with rare species of fauna or flora.

 

In partnership with the WWF Lafarge has also developed a biodiversity index to monitor and track ecological changes at the Group's quarries and sites.

A rating of 1 to 7 is attributed to quarries according to:

  • the rarity of identified species,
  • the surface area of the natural environment.

The ratings underpin action programs.

In 2006, several tests were carried out at a number of quarries in Germany and France to establish a comprehensive methodology. At the end of 2008, some 50% of our quarries had been screened. Of the screened quarries so far 270 have been shown to have significant biodiversity stake. By 2010, all of the Group's 800 sites will be involved.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the diversity of living organisms and species in land, marine and aquatic ecosystems.

Case study

Lafarge and WWF are rehabilitating the Magheramorne quarry, United-Kingdom, to create an eco-village by the port and a leisure center.

Partnerships with specialists

Lafarge works closely with specialists to expand its understanding of biodiversity:

  • a panel of experts and stakeholders is consulted in all biodiversity matters,
  • the "Museum d'Histoire naturelle" (France) and English Nature (United Kingdom) lend their expertise during the creation of natural habitats on rehabilitated sites,
  • the Wildlife Habitat Council (United States) has recognized the attention to biodiversity shown in the Group's industrial approach by certifying 24 of its sites.

An outside perspective

The advisory panel on biodiversity

This panel was created in 2006 to advise the Group on its biodiversity strategy. Entirely independent, this group has 10 members and meets twice a year to present its opinions and recommendations.

Last update on 02/17/2010

Environmental challenges

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