Biodiversity
We Strive to Protect the Environment and Biodiversity for the Future
Sustainable development is an underlying principle that is integrated in DPM's decision making. From the initial exploration works to the last closure phase, our approach is always to take the environment, the local communities and the future into consideration.
The Eastern Rhodopes are home to a very diverse range of flora and fauna. Our efforts to protect the biodiversity of the region includes a program designed to protect two species of tortoises which are at risk of extinction globally. We also monitor the yellow-bellied toad and the jersey tiger moth.
“I believe in sustainable development that combines economic benefits with care for people and the environment. For us, success is defined by the lasting value we leave for our employees, the local communities, and nature.”
Irena Tsakova
General Manager of DPM Krumovgrad EAD.
Yellow-bellied toad
BOMBINA VARIEGATA
As DPM planned for the construction and operation of the Ada Tepe mine, a core principle informing our decision-making was the protection of the environment. We launched a program for the protection of threatened tortoise species, which has been recognised by the European Commission and included in its Best Practice List.
With the help of field surveys, environmental impact assessments, and strong collaboration with biodiversity experts, as well as engagement with local authorities and communities, we planned and implemented environmental measures that continue to be followed today under the Ada Tepe Biodiversity Action Plan.
The actions under the Plan, together with the protection of biological species, contribute to the development of a large scientific database.
Jersey tiger moth
EUPLAGIA QUADRIPUNCTARIA
Tortoise Care Timeline
2,956
permanently marked tortoises of both species
Hermann’s tortoise
TESTUDO HERMANNI
2012
One hundred and nineteen tortoises are identified and relocated outside the project footprint, releasing them at a suitable distance to prevent their return. Student volunteers from Krumovgrad are also engaged in the process, helping to support conservation efforts and gain valuable experience. The project raises community awareness of the protected species, encouraging local people to take part in their protection. Tortoises that are found are carefully examined, and a database of all marked individuals is created. The monitoring extends to the Ada Tepe and Dazhdovnik Zones, as well as the Sinap Reference Zone, ensuring continued observation and protection of the species across these areas.
2013
A 0.8m high protective fence is installed around the design perimeter of the future mine site to prevent re-introduction; a total of 403 tortoises are relocated.
2017
A total of nine sites of 2,500 m² each are set up to help feed tortoises by planting forest-fruit vegetation in the wider relocation area. A new security fence is installed around the project construction site, which also supports measures to prevent the re-introduction of tortoises.
2018 - 2025
Ongoing, annual monitoring of the three zones. As part of the ongoing monitoring, a total of 2,956 tortoise individuals from both species receive permanent marking by the end of the 2025 season. A total of 2,972 tortoises have been identified throughout the entire period (2012-2025).