| Manufacturing in a critical ecosystem – Holcim Vietnam |
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Description The Hon Chong plant of Holcim Vietnam, funded by a loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), commenced operation in 1998. Although the original Environmental Impact Assessment did not highlight the biodiversity value of the region, more information came to light over time and, together with IFC, Holcim recognized the need to take action. A biodiversity assessment in 1999 concluded: ‘The presence of a globally threatened species (eastern Sarus Crane, the world’s tallest flying bird) in conjunction with the high and previously unrecorded endemism of the limestone mammals makes a compelling case for an integrated conservation initiative, encompassing the adjoining limestone, wetland and sandstone habitats.’ |
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ObjectivesHolcim Vietnam and IFC approached the International Crane Foundation and formed a partnership to identify viable sites to conserve. The goal was to demonstrate that maintaining the habitat in its natural state was more economically valuable than converting it to either shrimp or rice production (as development of the area was expanding rapidly). |
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Activities Two candidate sites were identified for protection. Although intervention came too late for the first, the second (Phu My) remains under conservation management and is demonstrating its economic viability. The villages surrounding the site sustainably harvest the long grasses which grow seasonally in the reserve and convert them to handicrafts. The project has won financial support from several sources (including the World Bank Development Marketplace) and local government support (a critical component for its current and future success). |
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Results After ten years of engagement, with the project evolving and responding to a changing situation on the ground, as well as emerging scientific knowledge, three main lessons have been learned: the value of partnership; the benefits of private sector involvement in changing government attitudes (conservation versus development); and the need for adaptive management by Holcim itself. More information in the IFC case study at:  www.ifc.org/biodiversityguide
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