Extracting limestone, the raw material required to produce cement, can have significant local impacts on land and communities around quarries. Effective management and well-planned rehabilitation strategies help to restore or even create values in these quarries.

In 2005, CSI members collaborated in the production of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Guidelines. The recognition that worked-out quarries can actually become an asset to communities, and the wider environment, has prompted significant work to be undertaken on improving biodiversity and amenity value through quarry rehabilitation.

2011 saw the publication of the CSI Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation, designed to ensure that members have a common understanding of how to manage, and measure, successful quarry rehabilitation. It is expected that guidelines will become internationally adopted good practice by 2020.

Milestones of CSI's work to mitigate local impacts

2002

2005

2008

2009

2011

2012/2013

By 2020

Agenda for Action   Defined CSI local impacts KPI's   Delivered communications guidebook for cement plant managers

Delivered Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Guidelines

Set up dedicated task force on biodiversity and land stewardship

Updated KPIs to extend coverage on biodiversity issues

Delivered Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation

Develop Guidance for Biodiversity Management Plans   Adoption of common screening tool   Elaborate on Biodiversity related KPIs   Review ESIA guidelines

CSI Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation become international good practice for all quarry activity

We have now...   14 of 15 reporting members apply the ESIA guidelines and develop quarry rehabilitation plans. Out of the 15 reporting members, 10 companies have more than 85% of sites with quarry rehabilitation plans in place and 10 companies have more than 55% of sites with community engagement plans. For 14 of 15 reporting members, 38 to 100% of their quarries with high  biodiversity value have biodiversity management plans actively implemented.

Going forward

The CSI is developing its KPIs on biodiversity, as well and producing a high-level guidance document for biodiversity management plans. Member companies are testing screening tools to identify high biodiversity value areas, where implementation of management plans will be prioritized.

To assist in mitigating the industry's impacts on the environment, CSI members want to share their experience and skills with each other and with any company involved in similar quarrying or rehabilitation activities. The CSI will continue to facilitate exchange of information and experience of biodiversity management practices, in order to map out and understand the full range of biodiversity issues, like ecosystems, water tables, wetlands restoration, etc. Hence, to identify opportunities for sustainable stewardship of land.

Go to www.wbcsdcement.org/biodiversity to find out more on CSI's work on biodiversity and land stewardship.