Stakeholder Engagement in Ecological Quarry Site Restoration: Case Rudus LUMO programme

Abstract

This master’s thesis focuses on stakeholder engagement in ecological quarry site restoration. Although quarrying is vital for societies as it produces raw materials for industries, it can be harmful to the environment. However, it is possible to restore the ecological functions of the sites after mineral extraction has finished. Corporate sustainability management is a way for companies to contribute to sustainability by reducing their negative social and environmental impacts. Therefore, ecological quarry site restoration is an important way for companies to conserve biodiversity and reduce their negative impacts. Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of corporate sustainability management. Furthermore, stakeholders are fundamental in ecological quarry site restoration as they possess knowhow that quarrying companies often do not have. This master’s thesis is a case study examining Rudus Oy’s LUMO programme and stakeholder engagement that emerged at its inception. LUMO programme focuses on conserving biodiversity in ecological quarry site restoration and making the sites fit for multipurpose use after restoration. The research aims to examine how stakeholder engagement emerged while Rudus Oy started their LUMO programme. The research question states as ‘How does stakeholder engagement emerge and evolve in the starting phase of an ecological quarry site restoration process?’ The theoretical framework of this study is composed from corporate sustainability management, stakeholder engagement and ecological restoration, sustainability, stakeholder theory, stakeholder engagement and ecological restoration. Corporate sustainability management explains how companies can reduce their negative environmental impacts and what are the key aspects to consider. Stakeholder engagement investigates the vital role of stakeholders and how engagement emerges and is maintained. Lastly the purpose and process of ecological restoration is explained. The study utilizes a qualitative case study approach and the data is generated using interviews with Rudus’ representatives and documents. The data is analysed inductively through qualitative content analysis. The main findings from the research include exploration of the varying ways stakeholders are engaged in the different ways in the stages of ecological quarry site restoration, and the importance of an open dialogue with stakeholders in both engaging them and ensuring successful restorations. Four propositions derived from the research results are: (1) Top management’s role in establishing a sustainable way of operating and engaging stakeholders is indispensable. (2) Stakeholder engagement in ecological quarry site restoration emerges from a need to collaborate and works at best when all involved stakeholders have clear roles. (3) Communicating with stakeholders on an open and upfront basis undoubtedly advances stakeholder engagement. (4) Finding joint interests and win-win solutions through opportunities for collaboration are key to successful stakeholder engagement. This master’s thesis contributes to the stakeholder and ecological restoration literature by introducing further comprehensive understanding on the importance and methods of stakeholder engagement in quarry site restoration. In conclusion, the study proposes that various elements of stakeholder engagement have significant importance in quarry site restoration. Further research suggestions include examining the stakeholder engagement in one site and looking at stakeholder engagement from a global perspective, perhaps comparing two countries.