Environment
  • Send to
  • Print
  • Feedback
Back to "Environment"

Protecting biodiversity

For Lafarge, the rehabilitation of its 730 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 experts and environmental associations to establish biodiversity programs for all sites located in a sensitive area or presenting real potential for wildlife.

 

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 2009:

  • 64% of quarries are screened according to these WWF criteria. The target for 2010 is to reach 100%.
  • 79% of quarries have a rehabilitation plan. The target for 2010 is to reach 85%.
  • 35% of quarries have a biodiversity program.

Biodiversity

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

Case study

In Greece, protected local plant species are being developed in the old Araxos quarry thanks to strong partnerships.

  • The case study
  • All Environment case studies

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.
  • International experts: the indicators developed with WWF have been reviewed and have inspired key perfomance indicators for the CSI (Cement Sustainability Initiative).
  • Local experts such as:
    • 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.

Stakeholder panels

Last update on 08/27/2010

Environmental challenges

  • Send to
  • Print
  • Feedback
Back to "Environment"
Back to top
2010 international year of biodiversity and Logo WWF and Lafarge

Lafarge takes a strong partnership approach, notably with the WWF, to protect biodiversity.

Lafarge and biodiversity
Lafarge on Facebook (new window) Lafarge on Facebook
Like