My journey from coral reefs to gravel pits/or: From marine biology to raw materials
When I joined NCC’s Stone Materials division in Denmark in May, I never imagined how much this role would change my perspective. As a marine biologist, my world used to revolve around coral reefs and ocean ecosystems. Today, I’m working in gravel pits and quarries—and proving that nature and raw material extraction can thrive together.
I came to NCC with a degree in biology from the University of Southern Denmark and years of experience in marine restoration and biodiversity projects. At first, I was skeptical. Could an industry built on extraction truly care about the environment? But once I saw NCC’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, it all clicked.
Sharing biodiversity behind the scenes
Raw materials are the foundation of the green transition. We can’t build wind turbines, power grids, or sustainable cities without sand, gravel, and stone. My role is to make sure that while we extract these resources, we also protect and enhance nature. That means assessing environmental impacts, managing approvals, and driving biodiversity initiatives—many through NCC’s Kielo program, which improves conditions for wildlife around our sites.
One of my favorite parts of the job is sharing this work with others. Through social media, I’ve taken followers behind the scenes to show how we monitor endangered species, conduct insect surveys, and create habitats in extraction areas. It’s important to demonstrate that industry and nature can go hand in hand—when we prioritize it.
Looking ahead: Scaling impact on land and sea
I see huge potential to scale these efforts, both on land and at sea. Offshore extraction is an area where we can raise the bar, creating stone reefs or planting eelgrass to restore marine habitats.
My dream is simple: every action we take should make a real difference for biodiversity. At NCC, my ideas are heard, and my expertise is valued. That makes all the difference.
Follow my journey on NCC’s social channels as we continue to show how knowledge, care, and a touch of saltwater can help nature and raw materials grow together.