Biodiversity information collected in the initial stages of a project provides valuable information required for managers to make critical environmental management decisions. This is especially true in many tropical areas where ecosystems are seriously threatened with habitat loss due to deforestation and industrial developments.
PT Newmont Horas Nauli (Newmont) recognized the value in obtaining biodiversity information in the initial phase of their Martabe gold mine development in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Newmont contracted Hatfield Indonesia in the pre-feasibility phase of project development to conduct a baseline terrestrial ecology survey of the Martabe area. The baseline study included the following components:
- Conduct a terrestrial ecological suvey targeted at key ecological components including vegetation, mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians, and insects.
- Collect baseline information through conducting a survey on the site before mining commenced.
- Identify endangered wildlife and conduct awareness raising activities regarding these key species to the mine.
- Develop a conservation strategy in order to protect the surrounding ecology.
Conducting a baseline terrestrial survey before the environment was distrupted allowed for more effective monitoring and mitigation once mining commenced. Awareness raising and pro-active management are essential to protecting biodiversity at the site.
