Assessment and Conservation of Biodiversity at a Nickel Mine in Indonesia

Since 2008, PT Hatfield Indonesia has been assisting PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) with biodiversity assessments and the development of conservation strategies at an exploration stage nickel mine project in Central Halmahera, North Maluku Province, Indonesia.

Hatfield conducted extensive biodiversity surveys, covering all ecosystem types found within the concession. These ranged from mangroves and coastal ecosystems, lowland rainforest on various soil types, and lower montane forests. The survey results formed an important part of WBN’s environmental impact assessment, and helped identify potential ecological impacts of future mining and measures to mitigate such impacts.

Based on the biodiversity data collected, Hatfield compiled a booklet of the most ecologically, economically and culturally important native plant species in the area. The selected species included highly-valued timber species, trees with edible fruits and leaves, plants with medicinal properties, rare orchids, pitcher plants, and endangered species. The booklet contains descriptions of the selected species, their values, keys for identification and photographs. The book is being used for educational purposes at local schools, as well as to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique biodiversity found in Halmahera among WBN employees and visitors.