A joint project between Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation International, and The WILD Foundation aims to promote awareness of natural sites of great relevance the world over. Announced on 2015 World Environment Day, it will also see Cemex release Earth´s Legacy: Natural World Heritage, the third volume of the producer’s Nature Series, which builds on the producer’s 20-volume Conservation Series dating to 1993. The new book will sport impressive images from some of the world’s most respected conservation photographers, coupled with background on 100-plus sites warranting protection.
“We are pleased to work with these organizations and publish this compelling contribution to the conservation of natural World Heritage sites,” says Cemex CEO Fernando Gonzalez. “Together we can make a significant contribution to discussions and actions that improve and preserve the biodiversity in every corner of the planet. Celebration of the World Environment Day has provided the ideal framework to make this announcement.”
Iconic natural sites such as Galapagos Islands, the Okavango Delta, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Ha Long Bay, and the Yellowstone National Park, are recognized by UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention, which seeks to promote cooperation among nations to designate and conserve the world’s most outstanding natural and cultural areas. Together with four conservation organizations, Cemex commits to building World Heritage site awareness, and promoting a culture of appreciation and respect for nature among the global community.
“UNESCO World Heritage Sites are truly ‘the best of the best’ of our natural and cultural heritage, the world´s most iconic places that all of human society should strive to protect,” affirms Conservation International Executive Vice Chair Dr. Russell Mittermeier. “In Earth’s Legacy: Natural World Heritage, we highlight the natural sites recognized by the World Heritage Convention and through strong visual imagery portray them in their full glory. We are most grateful to Cemex for once again producing such a high-quality book.”
“World Heritage Areas encompass some of the most spectacular wilderness remaining on earth. We must protect them for their own values, as well as recognize their value for a healthy, sane and prosperous human society,” adds The WILD Foundation President Vance Martin, who co-chairs the IUCN Wilderness Specialists Group.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY SPROUTS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT LAFARGE
To mark 2015 World Environment Day, Paris-based Lafarge Group noted that its business model has been focused on a circular economy for 20-plus years, where operations around the globe reuse, repair, refurbish and recycle existing materials, products and structures in order to turn waste into resources.
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| 2015 World Environment Day afforded Lafarge Group the opportunity to spotlight solutions for improved waste management and resource preservation. |
To eliminate and recover waste, cement, concrete, and aggregate plants pursue complementary relationships with local communities and governments as well as other industries. The producer uses processed industrial, municipal and agricultural waste as alternative cement kiln fuels, while reducing its own waste streams through recycling initiatives aimed at construction and demolition debris and reclaimed aggregates. The Lafarge circular model also compels a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the use of non-renewable resources.