LafargeHolcim accelerate biodiversity efforts in SE Asia

Agreement signed with FFI to ensure appropriate management of quarry restoration and biodiversity

LafargeHolcim are accelerating their efforts on biodiversity conservation and have signed an agreement with Fauna & Flora International (FFI), a leading NGO focused on biodiversity. Under the agreement, FFI will:

• Perform an independent external review of the Group’s existing biodiversity management plans (BMPs) at sites in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines
• Contribute to the development of a Group-wide strategy on karst management (karst areas being an important habitat for unique and specialized fauna)
• Identify opportunities for enhancing biodiversity in quarry rehabilitation
• Organize a stakeholder dialogue bringing together an external expert group, local government, local NGOs and LafargeHolcim staff to consult on BMP recommendations.

In the Philippines, LafargeHolcim have collaborated with expert scientists from the Institute of Biology at the University of the Philippines and the Diliman Science Research Foundation to ensure that biodiversity and the restoration of quarries is managed appropriately at the Group’s sites in different parts of the country.

This team of ecologists and biodiversity scientists monitors the sites and measures the level of restoration of the land. Results of the baseline study show a healthy environment rich with biodiversity, with 340 plant species and 230 wildlife species in a thriving ecosystem in the restored areas. Among the animals found was the Philippine tarsier, the world’s smallest primate.

Caroline Hempstead, group head of communications, public affairs and sustainable development at LafargeHolcim, said: ‘Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge. We aim to be good stewards of the land where we operate and demonstrate that proper management of quarries can reduce and reverse our impacts, and even generate positive change for biodiversity. The new engagement work with FFI will play a key role in achieving our commitment.’

Dr Tony Whitten, senior adviser at FFI, said: ‘It is encouraging to see LafargeHolcim taking this significant step towards creating an environment where business has a long-term positive impact on biodiversity conservation. FFI works directly with businesses and the influencers of business across a range of sectors to bring about change that contributes to the protection of biodiversity in all its forms.’