Rio Tinto Partnership

Research, Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

Kew – Rio Tinto Partnership

In June 2004 Kew and Rio Tinto entered into a strategic 3-year partnership with the aim of combining activities at a global level to enhance their contribution to environmental conservation through jointly planned and managed programmes.

Plants for Life goal
To enhance and improve environmental management and conservation through practical scientific work and through increasing awareness with respect to biodiversity and conservation within the context of sustainable development.

Research in Guinea

Scientists in the field in Simandou, Guinea

Engaging with the private sector

Working with the mining sector offers a number of opportunities for Kew including, access to new areas, logistical and financial support and a chance to improve a company’s environmental management abilities by applying research and knowledge to deliver on-the-ground benefits.  This offers real opportunities for conservation, particularly as mine sites are frequently found in areas of high biodiversity.

Biodiversity advisory group

Rio Tinto's Biodiversity partners in the field

News
Rio Tinto Biodiversity Strategy Biodiversity performance measures Team in Brazil

Rio Tinto's Biodiversity Strategy

This strategy, which commits the company to achieving a 'net positive impact on biodiversity', was launched at the IUCN conference in Bangkok in 2004.

Biodiversity performance measures

Earthwatch is leading on a study to develop methods for measuring impacts on biodiversity. Indicators are being piloted at Rio Tinto Business Unit sites and Earthwatch projects.

Kew-Rio Tinto Partnership Action in 2005

Twelve Kew scientists and horticulturalists spent a total of 175 days in four different countries. 142 of these days were spent on Rio Tinto mine concessions in Madagascar, Brazil and Guinea-Conakry.