On October 7, the three gravel works in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park renewed their certificate from the Nature & Economy Foundation. In collaboration with various nature specialists, the gravel works Holcim Praz SA, Volken Beton AG and Theler KWB Susten AG have been implementing measures to promote biodiversity for years and thus play an important role in preserving the environment.

The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park is committed to enhancing natural environments in order to promote biodiversity. It raises awareness and encourages companies and municipalities to take measures in this direction. One of the requirements for the Nature & Economy Foundation's certificate is that at least 30% of the outdoor areas of the company premises are designed to be close to nature. Several companies located within the perimeter of the nature park have been awarded this certificate with the support of the nature park. "Any company located in one of the 12 municipalities in the nature park can count on our support in obtaining this certificate," explains Evelyne Oberhummer, Nature and Landscape Manager at the nature park. She is convinced of the added value that this step means for a company. These natural designs also enhance the quality of a site for people. For example, green spaces help to reduce heat islands and at the same time promote flora and fauna. The Foundation therefore invites all interested companies in the region to contact the secretariat in order to obtain this label with the support of the nature park.

As far as the gravel works are concerned, the various extraction processes favor the development of new habitats such as sandbanks, gravel islands and pioneer areas. A large number of plants and animals depend on these dynamic habitats. With the damming of the Rhone and other rivers in Switzerland, many of these habitats have unfortunately disappeared and gravel pits are often the last refuges for some rare species. In the Pfynwald conservation area, the Rhone flows freely and the measures implemented benefit these habitats characterized by river dynamics.

For over 12 years, sustainable cooperation has been established between the gravel works, the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park and the Nature & Economy Foundation. With practical support, the gravel works carry out activities to promote and preserve biodiversity every year. This allows the Nature & Economy Foundation certificate to be renewed every five years. "It's a job of action and awareness-raising. It is important that employees understand why these interventions are being made to promote nature," says Beat Haller. For the gravel works, this commitment is important and shows that human and economic activities are not incompatible with nature conservation. "We are delighted that our contribution to biodiversity is being rewarded," mentions Sébastien Follonier, Regional Manager of Holcim.