OTTAWA Canadas mining industry is taking the lead by adopting a precedent-setting biodiversity policy that includes a pledge to recognize the planets 851 World Heritage properties as No Go areas and to finance projects that will return mining sites to viable and diverse ecosystems. Commitments with respect to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development are outlined in the MINING ASSOCIATION OF CANADAs (MAC) new Mining and Biodiversity Policy Framework, which will govern the behaviour of MAC member companies.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found that human actions are depleting Earths natural capital, putting at risk the ability of the planets ecosystems to sustain future generations, said Gordon Peeling, president and CEO of MAC. Through this mining and biodiversity framework, MAC members are expressing their commitment to take the necessary actions to conserve biodiversity and limit the impacts of their operations, while at the same time continuing to supply the minerals and metals society needs.
The framework was adopted by the MAC Board on June 20, 2007. It is the result of over a year of work, including consultations with MACs Community of Interest Advisory Panel and many conservation organizations. Read the framework at www.mining.ca.
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