Solvay Partners with IUCN to Accelerate Biodiversity Protection and Support Global Conservation Goals

Solvay former limestone quarry in Cuchia, Spain. The quarry supplied Solvay soda ash plant in Torrelavega between 1923-2006. Solvay Copyright.

(IN BRIEF) Solvay has entered a three-year partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to enhance its biodiversity efforts and contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework. Through the collaboration, Solvay will dedicate 30% of its permeable land near sensitive biodiversity areas to nature conservation and restoration by 2030. IUCN will support Solvay by providing science-based recommendations, tools, and indicators to help achieve these goals. The partnership highlights Solvay’s commitment to sustainability, building on existing conservation initiatives in various countries, and aligns with global efforts to protect biodiversity.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 11-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Solvay has embarked on a three-year partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) aimed at generating measurable positive impacts on biodiversity. This collaboration is designed to enhance Solvay’s biodiversity goals by leveraging IUCN’s advanced tools and proven best practices in conservation.

The alliance aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), adopted at COP15, which urges immediate action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Solvay and IUCN’s partnership focuses on advancing the framework’s objectives, accelerating the integration of nature conservation practices within the chemical industry.

As part of the agreement, Solvay has committed to dedicating 30% of its permeable land near biodiversity-sensitive areas for nature conservation and restoration by 2030. This is one of several initiatives validated by Act4Nature International, building on the company’s sustainability strategy. These actions are part of Solvay’s broader efforts to protect biodiversity and the environment.

IUCN’s role in the collaboration will be to guide Solvay in implementing the best practices at priority sites located near sensitive biodiversity areas. IUCN will evaluate Solvay’s ongoing efforts and offer science-based recommendations, tools, and indicators to support the company in meeting its sustainability commitments. The collaboration will assess initiatives such as ecological inventories, habitat restoration efforts, and partnerships with local environmental organizations, communities, and scientific institutions. Tools like the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) and the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric will help identify conservation and restoration opportunities.

Susanne Pedersen, Director of IUCN’s Centre for Science and Knowledge, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with Solvay and apply IUCN’s expertise and tools to drive tangible action in the business world. By combining Solvay’s leadership in sustainability within the chemical sector with IUCN’s scientific standards, we can show that transformative changes in production practices can deliver meaningful, positive results for the planet, people, and the economy.”

Jean-Charles Djelalian, Solvay’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized, “We know that protecting nature requires collective effort, and we are thrilled to join forces with IUCN. Building on initiatives already in place in countries like Brazil, Italy, and Spain, we are committed to contributing to the Global Biodiversity Framework. This partnership is a critical step in our continued efforts to drive positive impacts for nature.”

About Solvay

Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay’s pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world’s most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we use, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. Solvay’s unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition. As a world-leading company with €4.9 billion in net sales in 2023, Solvay is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB). For more information about Solvay, please visit solvay.com or follow Solvay on Linkedin.

About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. IUCN harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its 1,400 Member organisations and the input of around 17,000 experts. IUCN provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

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media.relations@solvay.com

Investor relations

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SOURCE: Solvay