Collecting information from all Group businesses was an essential precursor to developing a biodiversity strategy. A survey of each operation and parcel of land owned or managed by Rio Tinto was completed in 2001. It captured good examples of project and operational diversity management. These elements of best practice form the basis of guidelines and of a position statement being developed as part of the strategy. The survey took the form of a questionnaire circulated to all Group businesses drawn up with the help of the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, BirdLife International and Fauna and Flora International, with whom Rio Tinto has partnerships.

Information from the survey is being used to develop tools for improving biodiversity performance across the Group. These tools include biodiversity assessment guidelines, ecosystem management guidelines, indicators, targets and reporting guidelines. During 2004, opportunities for increased reporting of biodiversity performance will be assessed and implemented in future reporting.