A first for the company, it has for many years been promoting the protection of biodiversity during and after the quarrying activities.
"Our company commits to promote the exceptional local flora and fauna in its more than 1,000 quarries and pits worldwide," said Dr Bernd Scheifele, CEO of HeidelbergCement. "We believe that research projects and ideas can raise the knowledge of the biological value of quarrying sites and thereby contribute to further protect and promote biodiversity. That's why we launched the Quarry Life Award."
It will take place in some 15 countries in Europe, Central Asia and Africa.
Students and scientists as well as cooperations with NGOs can participate if they hand in their project proposals by 17 February, 2012, at the website
From March to September 2012 selected quarries and gravel pits in the participating countries will be open for the applicants' best projects.
