Even industrial sites can become places where nature thrives. Thanks to the efforts of Danucem and Ecorec, in cooperation with BROZ, BirdLife Slovakia and Raptor Protection of Slovakia, valuable conditions have been created for two rare species in the Čachtice quarry and in the Podunajské Biskupice site – the Slovak Large Blue butterfly and the European Bee‑eater.
At Danucem, we have long been proving that industrial environments can serve as a refuge for endangered species. In the Čachtice quarry, we improved the habitat for the Slovak Large Blue – a unique butterfly species found nowhere else in the world. By removing overgrown shrubs, we opened space for low herbs and flowers that are essential for Large Blues and other insect species.
A similar story is unfolding at our site in the Bratislava district of Podunajské Biskupice, where the European Bee‑eater has been finding its home for many years. This colourful bird nests in sandy walls, and its presence is a sign of a healthy and stable habitat. It is not the only species living here – since 2012, Sand Martins have also been creating nesting burrows in the walls. We protect the nesting cliffs, avoid entering sensitive zones, and adjust the terrain so that the birds have a safe space for nesting.
Both examples show that when production is guided by sustainability, nature can flourish even in places where few would expect it.
