Protecting biodiversity

 

Protecting biodiversity

For Lafarge Egypt ,protecting the biodiversity of its quarries is a high priority. The objective is to preserve the animal and plant populations of these natural environments.

A biodiversity management system

Lafarge has established a comprehensive biodiversity management system in partnership with WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). Together they have developed:

  • 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.

Aggregates and Concrete - Malaysia, Pantai Remis quarry, sta

Aggregates and Concrete - Malaysia, Pantai Remis quarry, state of Perak

Biodiversity

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

Sustainable development

The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Sustainable development aims to reconcile 3 major stakes:

  • economic performance,

  • the social consequences of a company's actions (with respect to employees, suppliers, customers and the local community),

  • environmental aspects (achieving a balance between a company's activities and the preservation of ecosystems).

The advisory panel on biodiversity

This panel was created in 2006 to advise Lafarge on its biodiversity strategy. The group has 8 members (6 independent and 2 from Lafarge) and meets twice a year to present its opinions and recommendations.