The Chanta is today an old limestone quarry that is owned by Holcim Spain, located in the Alcarria de Alcalá, in the municipality of Corpa. It is the result of the management company’s biodiversity strategy, which shows that it is possible to have a Positive net balance in biodiversity after his restoration.
After ending the mining activity, the original restoration project was adapted by an innovative that fits in with the preservation and appreciated the new habitats that were generated, such as Wetlands, Roquedos of different natureHerbazals, starting bush formations, etc. and that they were colonized by species with a certain level of vulnerability and ecological importance (spotted sapillo, lagoon aguilucho, Collalba Negra, Mariposa Arlequín, etc.).
The Chanta has become a model of what the resolution of the IUCN WCC-2020-res 088 announces: “Preserving natural diversity and natural heritage in my environments.” This resolution warns the need to change the recovery method “to use” Cover the exposed geological structures and new habitats createdRegardless of interest as a natural heritage, based on an irreparable loss for current and future society.
Also insist on that The preservation of the natural heritage that has been generated is all that the mine space is already conditioning for scientific, educational and tourist useAs a motorcycle for rural development.
An obligation with the help of nature
It has been in Spain for more than 40 years mandatory that mining companies reclaim the landscape When they stop exploiting the ground. In that sense, the government prepares one New plan to renury them more sustainably. One of the successes is that of the Chanta SteengroeveIn the Alcarria de Alcalá, Madrid.
This Closed in 2007 And he was abandoned for 13 years. During that time, the Nature did his work: he invaded the spaces and created his own ecosystem. Now, under their recesses, birds such as Rateronos, Crows or even the incidental azor can be observed.
From limestone to wetland
In 2020scientists and the company themselves They started to restore the spacealthough benefit from what had been created. The Old limestone breaker brickyard It is one law country. «This wetland was used in the restoration, instead of filling it and covering it. It offers space for many species that do not know where to get, ”explains the director of the environment of Holcim Spain, Pilar -Beúndez.
Insects, spotted or ducks have also found their oasis in this old quarry. On the other hand, the deposit wall has found a second life as a Bird hotel. «They have become nests. They find out and raise, ”says the Coordinator of the Brinzal group, Raúl Alonso
If the restoration was not taken in this way, there would be no room for all types. «It is guaranteed that all quarries are restored, you just have to model And do it Think more about nature », Gerdez underlined.
The Quarry From the Chanta is one Natural place full rule and moreover it is already part of the Catalog of reservoirs and Wetlands from the community of Madrid.