In the 1950s, the U.S. soybean industry was plagued by cyst nematode disease. However, what was unexpected was that it was a gene in Beijing small black beans that finally saved U.S. soybeans.
In this story, we can see the "magical intersection" between two species separated by thousands of miles, embodying the importance of biological genetic diversity. Biological genetic diversity provides valuable genetic resources for genetic breeding. This intersection also reflects a topic: protecting biodiversity is actually preserving more possibilities for human survival.
In order to avoid the species extinction, Veolia has incorporated biodiversity into the IMPACT 2023 strategic plan and is accelerating the practice.
On the occasion of the 2022 Biodiversity International Day, with the theme "Building a Shared Future for All Life", let's take a look from the south to the north through Veolia's practical cases.
Miracle in Taiwan
Full of life in the Resource Recovery (incineration) Plant
Located in Chiayi County, Taiwan, China, there is a well-known local landmark - the Lutsao Incineration Plant, which has been operating since the end of 2001.
In May and October 2021, a total of 750 Alishan oil chrysanthemums were planted in the plant sustainable recycling demonstration area. The seedlings sown in May will be in bloom in December. The successful restoration of this native Taiwanese plant has also driven local related industries. In the other corner of the sustainable cycle demonstration area, there is also an air quality purification area covering an area of 0.13 hectares. This area is planted with various plants such as crape myrtle, jacaranda, yellow bellflower, and Taiwanese cinnamon.
These remarkable changes are due to the good cooperation between Onyx TaHo Environmental Services Co., Ltd. and the local government. At the end of 2019, Onyx TaHo started to promote Veolia's 15 biodiversity initiatives. The Lutsao plant established the goal of "working together to create a biodiversity creative park" according to the implementation rules, adding more greenery to the incineration plant.
The story continues. At the end of 2021, after Onyx TaHo's excellent operational performance won a new contract with Lutsao plant, new biodiversity initiatives were immediately launched in the newly included Ho-Bou Ecological Park. And this year, 6 partners, communities and institutions were invited to plant 200 Tashiro's grouper trees, which can bring 24 kilograms of carbon sequestration each year and help build biodiversity and ecosystems.
Reproducing the Green Ecology in Hazardous Waste Treatment Plant
Looking back to the Xiangjiang River, Hunan Hanyang Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. is responsible for its construction and operation services in Changsha Hazardous Waste Disposal Center, which is one of the 31 comprehensive hazardous waste disposal centers planned by the National Development and Reform Commission.
Actions to protect biodiversity, which started here in November 2020, have successfully completed a series of practical activities under the guidance of Veolia's 15 biodiversity initiatives.
On the road to protecting biodiversity, external forces often bring different surprises. To this end, with the assistance of Veolia's Asia Sustainable Development Department, Hanyang Environmental Technology, together with partners, launched the first Biodiversity Design Competition.
In the end, the project of "Conceptual Ecological Restoration Based on Natural Simulation" from the Jiangsu University team stood out among the five teams and won the first prize. This design focuses on the ecological design, ecological restoration, water cycle optimization and de-industrialization" scene construction after the closure of the landfill in the plant area, and also sets the foundation for the biodiversity of the region.
The Green from the North
In the northern "Ice City", Veolia (Harbin) Heat Power Co., Ltd. has provided central heating services for the southwest area of Harbin since 2008.
In this plant area, which covers an area of nearly 36 football fields, the land is heavily industrialized, with poor soil quality and mixed construction waste. Under such circumstances, biodiversity work needs to give full play to the "power of the masses".
- Planted about 4,500 poplars and willows, with a green area of about 7,000 square meters
- Planted 448 trees and 51,439 shrubs, with a green area of about 12,000 square meters;
- Reclaimed the experimental field and planted eggplant, pepper, corn, soybean and other plants
- Employees participated in the design and planting of leisure gardens
Awakening everyone's awareness of biodiversity conservation is as important as practical activities. To this end, Veolia (Harbin) has held various activities to affect people from different circles.
In addition, under the guidance of Veolia's 15 biodiversity measures implementation rules, Veolia (Harbin) has also built a "breathable parking lot", solar street lights, built coconut shell bird nests and so on.
Protecting biodiversity should not and cannot be a slogan. Veolia not only included it in the IMPACT 2023 strategic plan, but also measured it as one of its environmental performance.
On the road of sustainable development, Veolia invites you to create more possibilities for living.