Českomoravské štěrkovny a.s. - HeidelbergCement

Objective

Recultivation of a granite quarry – Important report to Increasing Ecological Stability of the Territory.

Context

At the end of the 1990s, the company Českomoravské štěrkovny a.s. decided to cease extraction in this area and change the quarry into a natural and aesthetically valuable area interesting for both rare biota and local inhabitants and tourists. These activities are supported because there is the National Park Podyjí nearby and the presence of an endangered Triturus carnifex was identified in this area.

Solution

The original intention of recultivation by forestation and farmland was displaced by an alternative plan with maximal use of natural evolution. In this way a rare project was realised which takes the account of the natural processes and characteristics of the area to create a natural and aesthetically valuable area.

Habitat creation details

- Creation of a protective border

- Diversification of the aquatic environment

- Regulation of tree species

- Regeneration of plant species close to nature

- Support of recreational use of the area

- Long-term management and monitoring

Result

The quarry is being gradually changed into a biologically and aesthetically valuable locality with priority given to optimal conditions for the endangered Triturus carnifex which is the object of protection.

The project of revitalization of the quarry was recognised at European level in the UEPG Sustainable Development Awards, in Brussels in 2007, where it won the prize Special Award ’Natura 2000’.

The location was sold out and became the Veselí sand quarry lakes which are part of the protected area of Třeboňsko. The lakes offer excellent condition for swimming, fishing, angling and surfing. It also has a sand dune which promotes and ensure the biotope.