The International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated worldwide on 22 May 2022. The 2022 theme of “Building a shared future for all life” embodies the current global focus for the adoption of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
The framework aims to guide the global community on the actions required to preserve nature and the essential services it provides to humanity. It is planned for the adoption to occur at COP15 during the UN Biodiversity Conference in the second half of 2022.
Sibanye-Stillwater’s approach to biodiversity echoes this theme – we believe biodiversity plays a core role in achieving our strategic objective of prospering in every region in which we operate.
Sibanye-Stillwater will be celebrating the International Day for Biodiversity through a series of communication and training initiatives:
20 May 2022
Release of an updated Biological Diversity Protocol disclosure which provides the biodiversity footprints (in hectare equivalents) for our operations. This report will be launched publicly in association with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the National Business and Biodiversity Network.
23 May 2022
Launch of an internal training video on Sibanye-Stillwater’s “Biological Diversity Procedure” to educate and enable all employees about our management approach of our natural resources.
25 May 2022
Release of a mitigation hierarchy animation for employees and our external stakeholders to inform the of the key tool use to manage biodiversity.
Some of the key species of conservation concern included in our US BDP assessments, are the White Bark Pine, Grizzly Bear and Canada Lynx.
Nature and Biodiversity
Our view is that the terms ‘biodiversity’ and ‘nature’ are interchangeable – as such our commitments and action plans to improve biodiversity will also address our “Nature Positive journey”. Both terms refer to the living and non-living natural resources, their interactions with each other, including our interactions.
To us, Nature Positive means…
Halting and reversing the loss of nature
Investing in nature-based solutions
Developing a climate resilient business and supporting climate resilient ecosystems and communities
How a Nature Positive approach supports our strategic objective
Nature Positive is a fundamental tenet of building a climate change-resilient business. We can only be a force for good if nature is positively managed and if our impact thereon is measured and disclosed. This science-based approach to nature stewardship is part of our commitment to ensure long term sustainability for all life post-mining.
See the strategy tab under About us for our refreshed three dimensional strategy.
Communities and our Nature Positive journey
To achieve Nature Positive, we must work in conjunction with all stakeholders including our communities. Being Nature Positive requires the combined commitment from all stakeholders in an ecosystem. Sibanye-Stillwater aims to advance this integrated approach to nature stewardship through the following initiatives:
- Community-centered projects including the alien and invasive species removal
- Nature-based solutions as part of our commitment to drive down our carbon emissions
- Detailed integrated regional closure plans that consider the ongoing impact of mining on ecosystems
- Water conservation and demand management initiatives that reduce our reliance on third party potable supply thereby driving water security and water independence
- Integrated catchment management and innovative water treatment solutions that support healthy ecosystems and assist in conversations with communities close to our operations
What’s next?
Nature stewardship is a long-term commitment, and many of our goals will only be finally realised following closure of our operations. Our road map to achieve our targets and continuously improve the management of our natural resources includes:
- Jun 2021
ESG Policy encompassing and integrating biodiversity
- Jun 2021
Biodiversity Position Statement
- Dec 2021
Biological Diversity Procedure
- Apr 2022
First Biological Diversity Protocol results released and disclosed in the Biodiversity Fact Sheet [PDF]
- Dec 2022
Set targets based on the hectare equivalents for our no net loss and net gain aspirations
- 2023
Set a remuneration-based nature Long-term Incentive
- 2023
Develop a renewed framework for improved species assessments
ONGOING KEY ACTIONS
Embedding mitigation hierarchy in all decision-making processes
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Ecosystem assessments
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Species assessments
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Integration of Nature Positive initiatives in climate change and closure plans
What differentiates our Nature Stewardship approach?
We have moved beyond traditional Biodiversity Management and Action Plans that were bulky stand-alone reports, rarely updated and poorly embedded into the day-to-day decision-making and management at our operations
Using hectare equivalents per the Biological Diversity Protocol allows for site-based and company-wide reporting of science-based data that is appropriate for each operation
Our new approach allows for agility and adaptation to ensure continuous improvement in our biodiversity management
This ensures our monitoring, assessments, results and recommendations are integrated into our disclosure, compliance, water, carbon and closure management processes
