LKAB, with an unwavering commitment to fostering biodiversity in the areas of its operations, endeavors to unveil a groundbreaking tool known as CLIMB (Changing Land Use Impact on Biodiversity). Developed in collaboration with the esteemed environmental consulting firm Ecogain, the industry organization Svemin, and several other influential industrial companies and organizations, with the generous support of Swedish Mining Innovation, CLIMB seeks to address the pivotal question of how best to achieve the goal of increased biodiversity.
CLIMB holds immense promise, empowering us to quantitatively assess nature and its inherent values, thereby providing vital insights into our endeavors to meet our biodiversity objectives. It is an indispensable aid in the planning of industrial zones, land reclamation initiatives, compensatory measures, and environmental assessments.
By leveraging this innovative tool, we can meticulously select locations with minimal ecological impact and ensure that we compensate for any loss by safeguarding and promoting equivalent values. The implementation of CLIMB offers us clear guidelines, enhanced predictability in assessments, and optimal conditions for monitoring and reporting our ecological footprint," affirms Annika Zachrisson, LKAB's esteemed Sustainability Strategist.
At its core, CLIMB offers a tangible equation for the quantification of biodiversity, resulting in the creation of a biodiversity unit—a comprehensive value encapsulating the essence of biodiversity. This invaluable metric simplifies goal tracking, impact evaluation, prioritization, and proactive measures in support of biodiversity conservation. Moreover, it facilitates transparent reporting and effective communication of our environmental impact. Ultimately, our aspiration is for this pioneering tool to engender a positive trajectory for biodiversity by 2030, ensuring that our efforts to compensate for adverse effects far exceed the damage incurred.
Annika Zachrisson emphasizes the collaborative nature of CLIMB's development, underscoring its extensive backing from diverse industries, including real estate, mining, construction, and power sectors. Furthermore, the input from esteemed authorities such as the County Administrative Board and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has been instrumental in crafting a model that garners widespread acceptance among both industry and regulatory bodies.
