Article | 12 Mar, 2020

Leaders for Nature India in-company session on biodiversity management at HZL operational sites

IUCN India under Leaders For Nature programme organised an in-company session at Hindustan Zinc Limited, Udaipur, Rajasthan on 28th February 2020.

Photo: IUCN India

This in company sessions was aimed at emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and need of have a comprehensive Biodiversity Management Plan for their operations, Rehabilitation of mining sites and introduce them to Global Biodiversity Standards. The participants represented five different mining sites of HZL as well as suppliers to these plants.

Leaders for Nature, Business, green economy

Photo: IUCN India

Mr. Pradeep Singh, GM- Environment, HZL provided insights into HZL biodiversity policies and initiatives along with his team. Dr. N.M. Ishwar, Programme Coordinator, IUCN discussed about the biodiversity found in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Ms. Aanchal Saxena, Coordinator, LfN introduced the program and opportunities for corporates under it.

The event began with defining biodiversity, ecosystem and ecosystem services and the importance and complex role of food web. Gradually, the session was steered towards how the operations of mining companies can impact the food web, damaging the balance of nature. Dr. S.F. Wesley Sunderraj, member of IUCN Commissions on Species Survival and Director/Principle Scientist of Green Future Foundation and Mr. Vipul Sharma member of IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management shared detailed insights on indicators of ecological significance that a corporate should follow along with case studies from around the world.

Photo: IUCN India

The discussions also highlighted HZL biodiversity management plan and guidelines for its sites as well as environmental initiatives undertaken by each of these sites. HZL policies are not only focusing on spreading awareness within and outside the area of operations but also stresses on reporting the impact on biodiversity. The organization understands the crucial role of the biodiversity for the sustainability of its operations and is committed to strengthening its initiatives towards it.

The session ended with each site making their site specific prospective initiative list for biodiversity management.

The programme particularly emphasized on broadening the thought process of the participants to promote guided decision making and innovation in their initiatives.