Mitigating climate change in the developing world requires more than just reducing carbon emissions. It requires a commitment to economic growth, poverty reduction and ultimately, sustainable development. As a leading carbon developer with an interest in understanding the impacts of its projects and their alignment with local and national development priorities, EcoSecurities set out to measure and understand how one Clean Development Mechanism project in its pipeline is contributing to sustainable development in local communities.

Access to adequate shelter is vital to every human being, yet over 1.1 billion people are living in inadequate housing conditions. While the need for housing is clear, finding affordable solutions is not so clear. In 2008, soon after the Tecucel River in Romania flooded and destroyed more than 300 homes, the ArcelorMittal Foundation formed a global partnership with Habitat for Humanity to improve affected families’ lives.

The quarry area is Atlantic Forest Area, one of the most endangered tropical biomes in the world, and considered as one of the largest biodiversity repositories globally; one of utmost importance and of threatened hot spots (areas under greatest threat and therefore of top priority in conservation decision-making), according to the International Environmental Conservation Organization. Before Cimpor bought the land, it was banana plantation – a practice which weakened the local soils, habitats and ecosystems.

The 45 hectare Shek O Quarry site is at the western tip of D'Aguilar peninsula at the south eastern edge of Hong Kong Island, adjacent to the Tai Tam Country Park. Since 1964 it has provided valuable rock resources for the rapid development of the high rise city of Hong Kong.

Heidelberg's Species Protection Program for the sand martin (riperia riparia) takes place in 42s and, sand-lime brick and gravel pits across Germany. The Sand Martin regularly breeds in 42 Heidelberg sand and gravel pits, and prefers freshly uncompleted steep faces of sandy-clay material.

GóraŜdŜe Quarry is in the Opole region of southwest Poland. 295 hectares is currently excavated out of 492 hectares of deposits, creating one of the largest limestone quarries in Poland. Annual output ranges from 3.5 to 4 million tons of limestone, and in total, around 230 million tons will be removed for cement and lime production over the expected 60 year span of extraction.

Since the early 20th century, the Nußloch/Baiertal quarry, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has supplied limestone to the HeidelbergCement Leimen cement plant. Of a total authorized quarrying area of over 200 hectares, current extraction activities are limited to approximately 50 hectares. From previous extraction areas, 80 hectares have already been re-cultivated and returned to agricultural use or kept as conservation areas.

The 120 hectare Cape Foulwind quarry, located in the Buller District of the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The quarry has been in operation since 1957 and is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified. It is the largest limestone quarry in New Zealand, supplying over 1 million tons of limestone and marl to Holcim's Westport plant.

Little Paxton Quarry is located in Cambridgeshire, Eastern England, approximately one hour north of London. Quarrying takes place on floodplain, originally wet grassland, but more recently arable farmland.

The El Puente gravel pit is located in Seseña, Toledo, south of Madrid. Onsite activities include the extraction and preparation of aggregates. The Jarama river, which runs through the site, has a wide network of rivers as well as sand and mud banks, depending on fluctuating river levels.