Land in close proximity to biodiversity-rich habitats
In 2005, information on the size and location of land owned, leased or managed in close proximity to biodiversity-rich habitats was obtained from operations for the first time. Having an understanding of the location of locally, nationally, regionally or internationally identified areas of biodiversity importance can assist with identifying the extent of impact of company operations on biodiversity-rich or sensitive habitats/ecosystems. To ensure a consistent approach across the Group, biodiversity-rich habitats have been identified as:
- National protected areas as defined by IUCN's globally accepted definition, which are registered with the World Conservation Union, and managed in accordance with IUCN protected areas management categories I - IV; and
- Globally identified sites of significant international or global value that are recognised by the following key international biodiversity conventions :
- UNESCO World Heritage Convention;
- Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar); and
- UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves Programme.
Click here to view our spatial database representing biodiversity hotspots and Rio Tinto operations.
Nature of land use within 5km of a biodiversity sensitive area
* Other includes forestry, extraction, nature/cultural conversation, residential and other land uses.
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