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A bird in the Hand: RMC and BirdLife Do More Than Improve Biodiversity Together
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            Nov 26, 2004 15:39 IST  
One is the world’s largest supplier of aggregates with operations in 17 countries; the other is an international charity striving for the conservation of the world’s birds. Together they form a remarkable partnership which....

One is the world’s largest supplier of aggregates with operations in 17 countries; the other is an international charity striving for the conservation of the world’s birds.
Together they form a remarkable partnership which proves that businesses and NGOs can function together in pursuit of a common goal.
Improving biodiversity in quarries:
The alliance was designed to capitalize on shared objectives of sustainable development and biodiversity. Noel Morrin, international environment director at RMC, explains: “RMC wants to continue to grow, but in a sound environmental way.


Protection of species is an important issue for a company like ours that digs up the earth. We want to be the best in biodiversity. However, we recognize the need for help from an organization like BirdLife.”

Suitably, the nature of RMC’s business operations offers an opportunity to contribute to biodiversity and sustainable development by providing conservation areas in worked out quarries. By drawing on the expertise of BirdLife International, RMC has acquired knowledge of the protection of habitats while strengthening relationships with a variety of stakeholders. But what advantages has BirdLife International gained?

A win-win:
An obvious starting point would be the support of an international corporation to fulfill its mission and objectives, the opportunity to engage with firms under the RMC umbrella at a global level and the financial backing to help forge links between BirdLife partners and local RMC companies.

For example, in Poland RMC Polska and BirdLife partner OTOP are collaborating to protect the endangered Aquatic Warbler, Europe’s rarest song bird and in Austria another RMC subsidiary, RKU, is working with BirdLife Osterreich and WWF Osterreich looking after the Triel, Austria’s rarest wading bird.

However, the advantages go much further than this. The relationship is characterized by a two-way dialogue that promotes sharing information and acquiring knowledge.

Canan Orhun, who heads BirdLife’s European operations, comments: “It’s clearly stated in our memorandum that both sides are free to criticize each other. Knowing each other from the inside out helps to build trust.”

While communication with BirdLife has helped RMC ensure that global operations are environmentally sound and implement a biodiversity strategy that goes beyond legal compliance, most distinctive is the invitation offered to BirdLife International staff to spend a week at an RMC-run management course accredited by the Institute of Leadership Management at the company’s headquarters.

Building capacity on both sides:
BirdLife approached RMC for corporate sponsorship for an internal executive training program. Rather than simply paying for the training, RMC offered three BirdLife staff the chance to attend the company’s own management development program.

Ms Orhun is very positive about the experience: “We learnt a lot from each other. All the topics were very applicable.” Oonagh Mc Phillips, head of learning and development at RMC, agrees: “This brings us together; helps us understand the other point of view. It is good to have people from other organizations in training sessions.” Both parties benefited from learning transferable skills and the initial pilot has subsequently been extended so that RMC’s management courses now regularly include international BirdLife representatives.

Clearly, both organizations have enhanced their positions by drawing on their combined strengths and sharing knowledge, expertise and intellectual assets. Most importantly they have created an opportunity to contribute to a sustainable society.
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