Committing to custody

As a result of human activity, animals and plants are disappearing from the world at an ever-increasing rate. International companies should be putting up their hands to do something about it, says RMC's Noel Morrin.

Over 100 species have vanished in the UK alone during the last century. Many more are in danger, especially at the local level. Much vital habitat is under threat. And worldwide the rate of species loss is acknowledged to be so serious as to require concerted international action. The latest Living Planet Report 2002 from WWF, which tracks trends for hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, reveals that since 1970 there has been a 15% reduction in populations of the world's forest species, a 35% decline in numbers among marine species populations, and a 54% fall in populations of freshwater species.

These are alarming figures. And the loss of biodiversity on this scale will continue unless the issue is adequately addressed. We, as multinational corporations, have the power today to affect the global environment. It is time we embraced the responsibility that goes with this power. Society is looking in our direction for positive action, but many companies are still only at the stage of identifying and evaluating their obligations. At RMC we are keenly aware of the impact our own operations can have ­ on the environment in general, and on biodiversity in particular. As well we should be ­ we do after all run 1,500-plus concrete plants worldwide, 400-plus quarries and sand and gravel deposits, 21 cement plants, and our own network of 35 cement terminals.

At both the national and local level, we have a long-term commitment to environmental protection and to restoration. RMC's track record on this dates back for decades ­ as witness the pioneering long-term studies done at our Bush Farm and Papercourt Farm sites, where RMC participated with the government in research to assess the technical requirements for restoring high quality agricultural land following sand and gravel extraction. But companies like ours must now embrace the challenge of supporting biodiversity not simply at local or site-specific level but on a global basis.

Continuing stakeholder pressures on the extractive industries in particular means that many companies are now considering the possibility of marine-based activities. It could get them off the horns of one dilemma ­ how to reduce their impact on the landscape and the land-based environment, while meeting society's continuing demand for their products. But it obviously raises another question. What impact will this have on the marine environment?

Extending the understanding of marine ecosystems, so that this question can be better understood, is an important part of a global approach. RMC, for instance, has decided to support the work of the Cambridge-based UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Starting in September 2002, it is sponsoring two of the six UNEP-WCMC Chevening Scholarships in Biodiversity, for researchers who are focusing specifically on the marine environment. The Centre is generally acknowledged to be one of the world¹s leading research institutions in the field, and in RMC's view the work will increase the best available independent scientific information on certain marine ecosystems. As international companies increasingly demonstrate that they are taking their corporate social responsibilities seriously (including a genuine commitment to biodiversity) at a global level, the value of genuinely independent research is essential. Independent institutions like the WCMC are universally respected for the integrity, impartiality and quality of their work. Global business should support these institutions as they play a key role in efforts to protect and conserve the planet.

Noel Morrin is International Environment Director, RMC Group plc

1 February 2003

Noel Morrin