Public Joint Stock Severstal : Severstal is developing a programme for monitoring and conserving biodiversity in Karelia and Cherepovets

November 29, 2021 Severstal is developing a programme for monitoring and conserving biodiversity in Karelia and Cherepovets

Karelsky Okatysh, a subsidiary of Severstal, one of the world's leading steel and steel-related mining companies, signed an agreement with the Federal State Budgetary Institution State Natural Reserve Kostomuksha on the development of a Programme for Monitoring and Conservation of Biodiversity in JSC Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation.

It was previously reported that, in 2019, Karelsky Okatysh signed a trilateral agreement to cooperate with the Federal State Budgetary Institution State Natural Reserve Kostomuksha and the administration of the Kostomuksha urban district on promoting the sustainable development of the UNESCO Metsola Biosphere Reserve in the Kostomuksha urban district.

The project for monitoring and conserving biodiversity in Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation includes the following stages:

Stage I (01.05-30.06.2021) - Draft the "Programme for monitoring and conserving biological diversity in Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation"

Stage II (01.07-20.11.2021) - Determine JSC Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation. Collect and analyse information regarding possible risks and the potential impact of economic activities on biodiversity and ecosystems, which would indicate how the operations might impact the environment.

Stage III (01.01-30.06.2022) - Prepare the section on "Characteristics of the state of biodiversity and ecosystems in Karelsky Okatysh's region of ​​presence" according to data: inventory of flora and fauna; defined monitoring stations (trial plots)

Stage VI (01.07-20.11.2022) - Collect and analyse field data on biodiversity in Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation

Stage V (01.01-30.06.2023) - Run the programme of monitoring and conserving biodiversity in Karelsky Okatysh's the region of operation, report monitoring results to Karelsky Okatysh's responsible officials to assess compliance and make management decisions.

Stage VI (01.07-31.12.2023) - Develop proposals for measures aimed at solving the problems of conserving biodiversity and ecosystems, developed in accordance with the Principles. Prepare a report for a popular science brochure on the topic of "Monitoring and conserving biodiversity in Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation".

The territory of JSC Karelsky Okatysh is located in the northwestern part of the Republic of Karelia and belongs to the Kostomuksha urban district. The territory borders the Kalevala in the southeast and the Muezersky districts in the north and east. In the west, the study area borders Finland (35 km from the border). The centre of the Kostomuksha urban district is the city of Kostomuksha. The founding of the city is connected with the construction of a mining and processing plant in this area. The city was built 10 km from the plant due to the wind rose. The city's sanitary protection zone, which separates it from the production site, is 7.5 km.

Karelsky Okatysh is an object of the 1st category of negative impact on the environment. It does not border any specially protected natural areas (hereinafter - SPNA) such as nature reserves, national parks or reserves. It is situated about 18km from the nearest protected areas. However, these territories are in the plant's zone of possible influence.

Reconnaissance field research was carried out in 2021:

· A geoecological survey of the territory in Karelsky Okatysh's region of operation was carried out;

· a network of stations for monitoring biodiversity was organised;

· the characteristics of the most widespread natural-territorial complexes were determined;

· indicator species of vascular plants, reflecting changes in biocenoses under the influence of anthropogenic load, were observed.

52 soil samples and 38 samples of indicator plant species were taken. 11 camera traps were installed to assess the diversity of animal life.

In addition to this, Severstal continues a large-scale landscaping project called "Green Shield" at Cherepovets Steel Mill. The Company is implementing this in partnership with the Cherepovets State University (CSU).

Scientists have already conducted a study of green spaces along the perimeter of the industrial site which borders the city limits, as well as how best to encourage plant growth in areas which separate the main production facilities of the business. The total area of ​​research was about 100 hectares. Dendrologists assessed the number and condition of the plants and determined their species composition.

Evgeny Vinogradov, CEO of the Severstal Russian Steel division and resource assets, commented:

"Today we have a detailed understanding of the green spaces surrounding our industrial site and have received recommendations on how to best to create more green spaces. The recommendations are aimed at creating an ecosystem that is resistant to external negative influences, including changes in weather and climate. Planting new trees in these areas will help to trap dust emissions from the plant and reduce the carbon footprint."

Within the framework of the "Green Shield" project, the scientists at the ChGU and the ecologists at the Cherepovets Metallurgical Plant selected species of large trees and planned the planting scheme. About 20 million rubles will be allocated to the Green Shield project this year. In total, about 3500 large trees and shrubs will be planted, including 1600 trees. On average, 400 plants will be planted per 1 hectare of industrial area. According to preliminary estimates, Green Shield will allow about 8000 tons of dust to be deposited annually and absorb about 2,380 tons of carbon.