Developing biodiversity indicators on a stakeholders' opinions basis: the gypsum industry Key Performance Indicators...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Industrial Ecology

Background:

• Biodiversity reporting in the European gypsum industry lacks standardization.
• Existing reporting methods are fragmented and do not meet legislative requirements.
• Need for a unified approach to assess and manage biodiversity in extractive industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a common Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) framework for gypsum industry biodiversity reporting at the European level.
• To integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives for a consensus-based framework.
• To improve sustainability and biodiversity management in European gypsum quarries.

Main Methods:

• Participatory process involving multiple stakeholder groups (industry, authorities, scientists, NGOs).
• Literature review and Focus Group method to build an initial set of indicators.
• Policy Delphi survey with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for indicator prioritization.
• Feasibility testing via Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) analysis and quarry site visits.

Main Results:

• A consensus framework of 11 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) was successfully established.
• The developed KPIs align with European legislation and biodiversity strategies.
• The framework is adaptable to local contexts for coherent biodiversity reporting.

Conclusions:

• The new KPI framework provides a standardized tool for gypsum industry biodiversity reporting.
• It supports improved sustainability, biodiversity management, and reporting coherence in quarries.
• The framework facilitates the assessment and enhancement of biodiversity in gypsum quarrying operations.