BHP Billiton’s conservation efforts

Conservation experts from around the world, including environmental scientists from BHP Billiton, are in Sydney for the 2014 World Parks Congress (WPC).

BHP Billiton Senior Manager Environment, Erika Korosi joined partnership organisations Conservational International, Tasmanian Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy to showcase their collaborative approach to conservation projects.

Korosi said she was excited by the opportunity to share knowledge and outcomes from BHP Billiton’s programs at this event.

“To date BHP Billiton has contributed more than US$ 30 million for two significant conservation projects, The Five Rivers Reserve Project in Australia and the Valdivian Coastal Reserve Project in Chile, with other opportunities being investigated,” Korosi said.

“The World Parks Congress is held only once every decade, so it’s great to be able to provide an update on our progress and findings. I hope our partnership model acts as an example for what can be achieved through effective collaboration between the private sector and environmental organisations.”

During the WPC, Korosi presented to delegates on BHP Billiton’s conservation projects, implemented as part of the company’s commitment to conserving areas of biodiversity significance globally.

Conservation International Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer Morris said the global partnership between Conservation International and BHP Billiton had facilitated the conservation and ongoing management of over 60,000 hectares.

“BHP Billiton's commitment to protect and finance areas of global significance is truly ground breaking and should be viewed as a model for other companies to follow,” Morris said.

BHP Billiton President Health, Safety and Environment, Mike Henry said he was proud of BHP Billiton’s innovative approach to environmental management.

Henry commented: “In addition to the environmental management actions of our Businesses, BHP Billiton has committed to voluntarily finance the conservation and ongoing management of areas of high biodiversity and ecosystem value.

“We partner with some of the best organisations in the world to make projects of this standard benefit society, for now and in the future.

“This is above and beyond what we're required to do from an operational perspective. We recognise our broader role in society and the importance of supporting measures to conserve areas of environmental significance.”

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

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