Cemex received five awards from the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), including the prestigious 2016 Gold Tier Program of the Year award for its conservation efforts at the El Carmen ecological reserve, a critical area for wildlife at the scenic Texas-Mexico border.
The WHC promotes habitat conservation on corporate land through a mix of partnerships and education. The organization also awarded Cemex the Species of Concern Project Award, the Mammals Project Award, the Desert Project Award and the Forest Project Award for its El Carmen efforts during the 2016 WHC Conservation Awards in Baltimore on Nov. 3.
“Preserving life in its natural habitat is something that takes priority at Cemex USA,” said Cemex USA Vice President of Environmental Affairs Satish Sheth. “By taking appropriate action in conserving El Carmen, wildlife on the land can continue to thrive for years to come.”
Cemex became involved in the El Carmen ecological reserve six years ago and purchased more than 175,000 acres of land, entering into conservation agreements with adjoining landowners. The company has helped take the lead in reintroducing native species to the land, including the desert bighorn sheep, which disappeared from the area more than 60 years ago.
“We are looking to the future while conserving the past,” said Cemex USA President Ignacio Madridejos. “Cemex USA is proud to be recognized for helping ensure the future of El Carmen and its biodiverse ecosystem. It shows our company’s clear commitment to sustainability and can serve as an example of what can be done when companies, governments and communities focus on conservation and work together.”
“El Carmen is a one-of-a-kind place and is unique,” Cemex USA’s Texas and New Mexico Region President Scott Ducoff said. “By concentrating on keeping and preserving what we already have, El Carmen can remain virtually untouched for years to come and enjoyed by future generations.”