MPA updates Biodiversity Strategy

The minerals industry has a decade’s long and proven history in delivering for biodiversity. MPA members have already created over 8000 hectares of UK priority habitats such as meadows, heathland, broadleaved woodland, and wetlands including lakes, ponds and reedbeds. At least a further 11 000 hectares are in the pipeline in approved restoration schemes, but not yet realised. In addition, active and restored quarries host a diverse range of common and protected species. The MPA’s National Nature Park includes over 80 restored sites where there is public access to enjoy wildlife.

The strategy sets out eight actions that the MPA and its members will take to protect and enhance biodiversity, which together with land management include monitoring to identify what works best and inform future work, sharing and celebrating good practice and successes throughout the industry, influencing policy, and using its assets to engage and educate. The industry already has close working relationships with many wildlife conservation organisations, and the strategy commits to continuing to nurture these and develop new ones particularly where MPA can help threatened species.

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the MPA, says, “The minerals industry is uniquely placed to contribute to conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and has an unrivalled legacy compared to other industrial sectors. I am immensely proud of what our members have achieved and excited about what they can and will do in the future. It is high time that our significant contributions are properly recognised by policy and decision makers, to help provide our members with the support to continue doing what they do best. I believe we may be the only business sector that has been actively contributing to nature recovery at scale for so long that our strategy is unique. I will not rest until government, particularly Defra, acknowledges that environmental expertise and action is not the sole preserve of NGOs and activists. Our members have built a significant legacy and have vast practical experience of working in and with the environment to enhance and protect nature. We don’t just talk a good game, we deliver it on the ground.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/01122020/mpa-updates-biodiversity-strategy/