Haven for orchids - protecting and restoring biodiversity in quarries

In Lebanon, Spain and Mexico, long-vanished flora species have resurfaced in our rehabilitated quarries, making them a haven for orchids and biodiversity.

A national orchids treasure in Lebanon

The hillside of one Holcim Lebanon site hosts 15 types of orchid species, unique in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The habitat was categorized a site of high significance due to the presence of these 15 types of orchids species (out of 86 taxa), the equivalent of 17.5% of the national diversity. This exceptional concentration of orchids, with many experiencing habitat loss, constitutes a site with outstanding national and global value.

This national treasure was discovered by Holcim Lebanon as part of a regular biodiversity assessment, which it has since turned into a sanctuary. With the help of experts and the local community, Holcim Lebanon monitors the status and the number of orchids at this site every year, as well as possible natural threats.

Protecting orchids (and their pollinators) in Spain

Protection of endangered species is also at the top of LafargeHolcim Spain’s biodiversity strategy. Near Toledo, for example, the restored Yepes-Ciruelos quarry is a good habitat for bee orchids. Three orchid species have appeared since local pollinators have placed beehives at different points around the quarry : the yellow bee orchid, the mirror bee orchid and the spider bee orchid. This success has motivated the local team to introduce other native species of high ecological value, such as the Vella pseudocytisus.

Orchids have also appeared spontaneously in Turó de Montcada, located in Serra de Collserola Natural Park near Barcelona, where a Natura 2000 habitat was created including the restored area of the quarry. ACER, a local NGO collaborating through a land custody agreement, has detected over 350 specimens of the giant orchid, over two dozen bee orchids, and the pyramidal orchid.

Rescuing plant species in Mexico

Mexico has high biodiversity overall, but in some of its very dry regions the conditions for life are more tenuous, threatening indigenous plant species. To help overcome this situation, Holcim Mexico has established plans to rescue and preserve flora at risk, re-planting them in rehabilitated quarries.