Holcim and IUCN The Expert Panel around the world

El Puente gravel pit, Spain
Holcim and IUCN The Expert Panel around the world
Members of the IUCN-Holcim Independent
Expert Panel visit Holcim sites to learn about
current biodiversity management activities.
This is part of the process for developing practical and implementable recommendations.
Spain (June 2008)
The Panel visited eight sites during a five
day visit to learn how Holcim selects,
operates and closes quarry sites, with a
focus on quarry rehabilitation.
What they learned: The Panel gained an
understanding of the challenges and
opportunities faced in different operational
stages of the quarry lifecycle. Challenges
include balancing the needs of the local
communities and complying with local
requirements while achieving better outcomes
for biodiversity. The visit also highlighted
opportunities for extraction sites to provide
habitats for local species.
Indonesia (September 2008)
The Panel completed a nine day visit in
three cement plants and one aggregate
quarry. The visit also included meetings
with local stakeholders and national and
local authorities.
What they learned: The Panel recognized the
proactive approach to management of environmental and social issues and recommended a
more proactive communication strategy. Three
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key factors were identified for enhancing biodiversity conservation: link to local context, site
rehabilitation planning should be goal oriented,
and local partnerships can provide the needed
local expertise.
Belgium (January 2009)
Two Panel members visited Holcim Belgium to
learn about the potential new quarry site near
and historically closed sites near Antoing.
The visit also included the active and closed
quarries, the Jardin Géologique, and Maison
de la Biodiversité facilities in Obourg.
offsets, which presents an opportunity to enhance the local biodiversity while meeting permit requirements. The route of the conveyor
from the quarry to the proposed plant site was
chosen based upon a detailed impact assessment with the aim to minimize the footprint
through a Natura 2000 area.
What they learned: The closed quarries located
in Antoing have been naturally rehabilitated
over time. A landscape approach covering the
closed sites and proposed new quarry can,
along with active control of invasive species,
increase the biodiversity in the area.
Hungary (January/March 2009)
The Panel Chair visited the existing active and
inactive quarries of the Labatlan and Miskolc
plants and the proposed new project site. The
visit included with external stakeholders: local
neighbour committees, Hungarian national environmental authorities, the Chair of IUCN National Committee of Hungary, and the Director
of WWF Hungary.
What they learned: Biodiversity is not always
the highest concern to external stakeholders.
The proposed new project will require some
Panel members working on the
Holcim Pillango project, Hungary 2009
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