Βiodiversity

In general extraction, noise, vibrations anddust and other aspects associated with mining and quarrying have played a part in the reduction of flora and fauna species in the past.

• Protecting Biodiversity.

  Biodiversity is an important prerequisite for sustainable development and, as such, it is yet another priority for us. We therefore undertake targeted actions, which aspire to protect the ecosystems at the locations in which we operate and in surrounding areas where endangered or protected flora and fauna species can be found.

  Faithful to our long-standing commitment to responsible and sustainable corporate practices, we turn to account international tools and the guidelines of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the management of biodiversity.

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  We take special measures to protect the fauna and use typical species of the local flora for the rehabilitation of the environment.

  Accordingly, we have reorganized our two nurseries in Greece so that they can grow appropriate species for the rehabilitation of each area donating also to fire-stricken areas.

• Rehabilitation of our Quarries.

  The protection of biodiversity in quarries and mines is just as important. We plan and conduct comprehensive studies in collaboration with the Universities of Patra, Athens and Ioannina and with Non-Governmental Organizations, such as the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature and the Hellenic Ornithological Society. These studies are based on international standards and tools and contribute towards the implementation of the National Strategy and the Action Plan for Biodiversity.

  As regards the rehabilitation of the natural environment at quarry sites, we constantly try to use state-of-the-art techniques, including multi-tiered rehabilitation, excavation rehabilitation with the reservoir method and vertical slope rehabilitation with the hydroseeding method.

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  We use typical species of the local flora and vegetation for the rehabilitation of the environment, i.e. indigenous species that can thrive in dry and difficult conditions:: pine, cypress, holm oak, Judas tree, carob, wild pear tree, and shrubs such as strawberry, mastic, holly oak, broom, myrtle, etc.

  This variety provides an ecosystem which is consistent and in harmony with the surrounding natural environment and allows the preservation of the vegetation cover without human effort.

  Moreover, in collaboration with the University of Patras Department of Biology, we have produced a pictorial guide of the plant species used for the rehabilitation in each of our quarries in Greece.

  We have also rescheduled our tree-planting programme: since 1975 we have planted almost 2,000,000 saplings.

  It should be noted that over 380,000 saplings were offered to Local Authority and Non-Governmental Organizations for the reforestation of areas that were affected by the catastrophic fires in 2007-2008.