Board game on quarry recultivation
«Ecoquarry»
Play elements:
Play board, 56 of task cards, 57 of answer (methods of restoration), 8 cards of event cards. Individual
marker for moving on the play desk every player can make by themselves (for example, folding a paper
rectangle and then drawing on it)
Play aim: to restore worked out quarry applying different methods of recultivation (technical, biological,
methods of ecological management and public involvement).
Play rules:
1) Cards of answers, tasks and events are placed in separate batches face down next to the playing
board. Each player is dealt 5 answer cards that he has to put in front of him in a row, showing
the contents to other players. Later the player can have a maximum of 10 answer cards.
2) Individual markers are placed on the board at the start cell. The youngest player takes a task
card, and tries to reply it by matching answers cards. Pay attention to the keywords on the
cards that are in bold, and look for consistency in the answers (key words there are in bold
also). For each task there is a specific answer, which covers all the points (near the rhomb). Also,
these points can be covered by additional answer cards (kind of answer and how much points it
gives indicated below on the task card). The player can use the right to put laydown batches one
of their cards and take one new answer card instead from batch of answers. You can also use
the cards of the previous phase of reclamation, which give 0.5 points (for example, you have an
issue with a green rhomb (i.e., from the biological stage), you can apply any answer cards from
the technical stage, etc.) (check the scheme below the rules)
3) Before decision making player may ask for help another player and get (change) necessary
answer card on any conditions.
4) If a player is able to cover a task card with completely appropriate response, then he moves for
2 steps forward on the board, if he can use only additional answers - then at one step. After
complete the task player takes one card from the batch of answers (if the player has already
reached the "shrub stage" on the board, then he have to pull 2 answer cards). If player can not
or does not want to perform the task, then it goes to the laydown batch, and the player is left in
the same place. Afterwards, the game moves to the next player clockwise.
5) Reaching the cells with stages of succession (change of plant communities), the player take
event card and answer it. There is no indication of the keywords, and the player must decide
what kind of response here is the solution, and the other players must collectively validate his
action. If everyone agrees with the player’s answer decision, then he moves on board according
to the instructions on the cards (numbers separated by a fraction). But there are three cards of
the event on which you do not have to respond to - or take a step back, or a step forward, and
the arrival of a specialist will help you solve the next task card, and then you go only for one cell
forward.
6) The player who first reaches the finish line wins. But, most importantly, do not cross it. That is, if
the player is standing on the previous cell before the finish, he must make decisions that will
move him only for 1 cell forward.
Why is credited with 0.5 points for the answer cards from the previous stage: biological phase is
able to be carried out on the basis of technical restored area; ecological management allow to efficiently
enhance biological diversity; public involvement appears in the game as a result of proper ecological
management; and technical stage must be carried out at the preliminary approval of recultivation with
public. The scheme is very simple and does not reflect the complexity of the interactions between stages
of mining sites recovery. Above there is an image of the scheme, and the color-coded stages of
reclamation used in rhombs on the cards.
TASKS CARDS
2
Form a relief on the worked
out quarry
+1 strengthening of soils and
dumps
+1 leveling dumps
2
Strengthen soil cover
+1 planting, sowing
2
Create a soil cover on the
waste rock, for this purpose
carry out earthing
+1 strengthening of soils and
dumps
+1 fertilizing
+1 planting, sowing
2
In your careers dumps contain
toxic substances. Carry out
neutralization of soil or
isolation
+1 drainage water treatment
+1 ecological monitoring
2
Company decided to flood the
territory of quarry and create
water pond
+1 formation of shores
+1 formation of relief
+1 increase of pond
productivity
3
It is necessary to increase the
productivity of the soil at the
quarry
+1 earthing
+1 fertilizing
+1 planting, sowing
2
Under the influence of wind
and rain at the quarry dumps
and the soil are destroyed.
Carry out measures to control
erosion
+1 strengthening of soils and
dumps
+1 planting, sowing
3
The quarry is not inhabited
with animals and plants. You
have to promote biodiversity
+1 introduction
+1 creation of forage base
3
It is necessary to plant forest
on the quarry territory
+1 tree planting
3
For formation of grass cover
carry out
sowing of grass plants
+1 promotion of biodiversity
+1 hydroseeding
2
* Territory of the quarry after
restoration should be actively
used. Offer your variants of use
+1 EIA
+1 public participation
+1 building
2
The territory of quarry was
flooded, but the pond needs
measures to increase
productivity
+1 fertilizing
+1 creation of forage base
2
It is necessary to increase
public participation
Find out public opinion at
quarry reclamation
+1 meetings with local
community
+1 EIA
3
You are planning building on
the worked out quarry territory
+1 EIA
+1 public participation
+1 formation of relief
3
Necessary to reduce harmful
emissions into atmosphere
from transport and techniques
operating on quarry
+2 reduction of fuel
consumption
+1 ecological management
3
Forage base are not formed in
created pond
+1 fertilizing of pond
+2 increase pond productivity
2
In the end you need to prepare
area for agricultural use
+1 fertilizing
3
Carry out assessment of
biodiversity for effective
management
+1 ecological monitoring
+2 ecological research
3
Your company needs to pass
ecological certification
+1 ecological management
+1 ecological research
+1 assessment of biodiversity
2
Tourism is significantly
developed in region. Apply
measures to attract tourists to
the restored quarry
+1 promotion of biodiversity
+1 fishing development
2
On the restored quarry slopes
are sloughing. Implement
measures for strengthening of
dump slopes
+1 planting, sowing
+1 control erosion
+1 control of ravine
3
For fast quarry restoration
applying of advanced
technologies are suitable
+1 ecological research
+1 hydroseeding
+1 introduction of bacterial
cultures
3
Apply advanced method –
hydroseeding – for fertilizing
and sowing
+1 strengthening of soils and
dumps
+1 field experiments
2
For attraction of wild animals
and support of forage base it is
necessary to establish feeders
+1 promotion of biodiversity
3
Put new species on the quarry
(introduction)
+1 promotion of biodiversity
+1 stocking
1
Carry out planting of larch in
the quarry. Larch is not
demanding tree to soil
conditions, and its planting will
prevent the soil erosion
3
Carry out planting of small-
leaved forest
1
Planting of Siberian cedar is
appropriate for severe climate
region
1
One of effective measures to
prevent erosion is planting of
pine
3
For strengthening soil cover
and dump slopes carry out tree
planting
+1 strengthening of soil
+3 planting
3
Organise work of technological
transport to reduce fuel
consumption
+2 reduction of harmful
emissions
2
To accelerate the overgrown on
quarry use advanced
technological methods of
plowing the soil when planting
+1 introduction of bacterial
cultures
3
Carry out field experiments for
research of recovery process of
environment on the quarry
+1 advanced technologies
+1 ecological research
3
For economic development of
territory organize fish hatchery
on the worked out quarry
+1 introduction
+1 stocking
+1 creation of pond
2
Develop fishery sport on
flooded quarry to attract
tourists
+ 1 tourism development
+1 stocking
1
To speed up soil formation
processes and increase soil
fertility introduce bacterial
cultures
2
You have to increase soil
productivity on quarry. Use
mineral or organic fertilizers
2
While creation of pond form
embayed coastline
+1 formation of gently sloping
coasts
+1 formation of relief
+1 water regime regulation
2
While creation of pond form
gently sloping coasts
+1 formation of embayed
coastline
+1 formation of relief
2
You are in the initial stage of
quarry reclamation and you
need to form a relief. Carry out
leveling of dumps
+1 formation of relief
+1 strengthening of soils and
dumps
2
While formation relief make
low gradient dump slopes
+1 formation of relief
1
To prevent invasion of toxic
substances from solid ground
carry out isolation measures
2
To decrease impact on
environment and toxicity of
drainage waters carry out its
treatment
+1 biologic water purification
2
With a content toxic
substances in the solid or soil at
the quarry conduct their
neutralization by liming
+1 drainage water treatment
2
Gullying process is
strengthening on the quarry,
carry out measures to control
ravines
+1 control erosion
+1 planting, sowing
+1 strengthening of soils and
dumps
3
In managing of biological
diversity on the quarry it is
necessary to assess
conservation value the
territory
+1 ecological research
+1 ecological monitoring
3
Integral part of managing the
quarry reclamation and
biodiversity is to hold
ecological research
+1 field experiments
+2 ecological monitoring
3
You need constantly look after
environment state. Organise
ecological monitoring
+1 ecological research
+2 ecological management
3
For successful restoration of
the quarry organize ecological
management in company
+1 EIA
+1 ecological certification
+1 ecological monitoring
3
Carry out Assess human activity
impact from quarry
recultivation on environment
(Environment impact
assessment EIA)
+1 ecological research
+1 public participation
+1 ecological management
2
It is necessary constantly to
follow and regulate water
regime on the quarry
+1 water removal system
+1 drainage net
+1 hydrogeological study
2
Organise water removal
system on the quarry
+1 drainage net
+1 hydrogeological study
+1 regulation of water regime
2
Construct drainage net on the
quarry
+1 water removal system
+1 hydrogeological study
2
You have to organize
interaction with local
community
+1 public participation
2
Carry out stocking of pond
+1 introduction
2
Apply methods of biologic
water purification in pond
EVENT CARDS
-1 – make one move back
+1 – make one move forward
0 / -1 – if you have the answer card, stay. If you do not have answer card, move for 1 step back
Downstream the river
where drainage water flow
a lot of dead fish was
found. Toxic substances got
the river from quarry
-1
Territory of the quarry is
going to be checked by
controlling state bodies
(auditors). Are you ready to
provide research data for
them?
0 / -1
Local community came out
with protest action in front
of the quarry
administration
+1 / -1
Geologists observed
increase of groundwater
and probability of quarry
flooding
0 / -1
A natural disaster. Your
dumps contain toxic
substances. If you have a
card of "isolation", you are
saved, if not - reimburse
environmental damage
0 / -1
On territory of the
reclaimed quarry rare
species of plants was
found. This testifies the
success of recultivation
+1 / 0
Ecological action (planting
of trees) was held on
quarry with participation of
local people
+1
You have invited lead
specialist on mining sites
restoration. He will assist to
solve your next task
+1
ANSWERS CARDS (METHODS OF RECULTIVATION)
3
Hydroseeding
putting the mixture of water,
soil, sawdust, seeds, fertilizers
for the accelerated formation
of vegetation
2
Leveling dumps
Removal of ground from the
top of dumps to slopes while
creation of relief
2
Formation of low gradient
dump slopes
Smooth slopes are less affected
of erosion and rain impact
1
Isolation
Isolation of toxic solid from
environment by laying of
neutral ground
2
Earthing
applying to the surface of
dumps the fertile soil layer or
potentially fertile ground while
creating soil cover
2
Regulation of water regime
Construction of water removal
system, drainage net to
prevent overmoistening on the
quarry
2
Construction of drainage net
Laying of drainage channels,
construction of wells and water
catchment ponds to prevent
flooding of the territory
(regulation of water regime)
2
Construction of water removal
system
Construction of pumping
stations and drainage system to
avoid flooding of the territory
(regulation of water regime)
2
Creation of pond
Flooding of the worked out
quarry
1
Entering of bacterial cultures
One of advanced technologies
for increase soil productivity
and speed up of territory
overgrowing
3
Entering of organic fertilizing
to the soil (compost, peat,
manure and other) for increase
of soil productivity
2
Agriculture use
Restored territories of quarry
could be used for agriculture
activities
3
Planting forest
One of effective methods to
control erosion
3
Sowing of grass plants
Sowing of perennial grasses to
strengthen soil cover and
formation plant communities
3
Planting of brushes and trees
to reduce soil erosion.
Promotes moisture- and snow-
retention
3
Promotion of biodiversity
by creation of various habitats
for species
3
Support of forage base
for example, construction of
feeders for wild animals
3
Creation of protected areas for
protection of rare species
Limitation of access to the
territory where are rare species
3
Ecological management
is focused on maintaining and
enhancing the natural values of
land to conserve biological
diversity. Control of
recultivation to avoid potential
risks of environmental pollution
and the subsequent costs for
its elimination
2
Control ravine
Measures preventing
increasing of ravines and
gullying
3
Assessment of conservation
value
Total assessment of
biodiversity and diversity of
landscapes
2
Formation of embayed
coastline
during creation of water pond
on the quarry
2
Liming
Liming to grounds containing
toxic salts to neutralize the
acidity of the soil
3
Building of fish hatchery
For industrial fishery
2
Drainage water treatment
Transmission of drainage water
through a thick layer of soil,
delaying pollution and acting as
a natural filter
2
Neutralization of ground,
containing toxic salts to reduce
the degree of harm to the
environment
2
Formation of low gradient
dump slopes
To pond for providing its
sustainability against erosion
1
Planting of small-leaved forest
Small-leaved species (birch,
aspen, alder) is not demanding
to soil, moreover they are
growing quite fast, and within
5-10 years can provide
protection against erosion
3
Reduction of harmful
emissions
Renewal of motor vehicles on
ecologically safe fuel
3
Reduction of fuel consumption
by working transport during
technology upgrading to
reduce harmful emissions into
atmosphere
3
Tourism development
creation of recreation objects
on the quarry
2
Hydrogeological studies
for survey of water regime on
the quarry
2
Creation of forage base
for wild animals and fish in
pond
2
Arrangement of fishery sport
on flooded quarry that could be
good decision for attracting of
people and eco-tourism
development
3
Carrying out of field
experiments
in damaged land it is important
to study environment state
2
Advanced technological
methods
of plowing the land for sowing
crops allow more efficient use
of resources such as fuel, the
number of seeds and reduces
the time for sowing
3
Ecological certification
assessment of compliance of all
phases of recultivation and use
of the territory with
environmental standards and
regulations
3
Building on quarry
Worked out areas are actively
involved in the economic
sphere in the region. It is
regular situation when various
objects are built on the former
mining territories
3
Increase productivity of pond
Recently created water bodies
on the worked out quarries
consist low rate of nutrients
necessary for hydrobionts
2
Stocking fish in pond
putting juvenile fish into the
pond, where they will grow.
Stocking is carried out in order
to enhance biodiversity in the
ecosystem or fish farming
2
Biologic water purification
Different metods for water
treatment such us macrophytes
planting, algies or bacteria
cultures
1
Planting of cedar
Cedar survives in conditions of
severe winter; it can be used
for the final stages of quarries
recultivation in Siberia.
Prevents erosion
Print in 2 copies the following answers
2
Formation of relief
(subgrading)
Includes leveling of dump
slopes with heavy vehicles
2
Control erosion
Complex of measures for
protection of soil and dumps
from erosion effects
2
Strengthening of soil and
dumps
for increase rate of
sustainability of ground to
destroying factors (water,
wind)
2
Entering of fertilizers
Fertilizing by minerals to
increase productivity
1
Larch planting
Using of larch on final stages
of recultivation will enhance
landscape and provide new
habitats for species
1
Pine planting
The pine is unpretentious to
the ground fertility and can
easily grow on goal sand. Like
all large trees, pine trees are
well fixed soil by roots, and can
also serve as habitat for some
species
3
Sowing of grass plants
Planting of one-year-old plant
for strengthening of soil cover
3
Ecological monitoring
Long-term ecological study of
state of the nature of quarry
3
Ecological research
Study of flora and fauna on the
quarry, and assessment of
planned activity impact on
biodiversity
3
EIA
environment impact
assessment of recultivation
activity
2
Variants of use *
For applying this card you have
to call three different variants
of use quarry territory after
finishing mining activities
3
Introduction
Putting new species in
ecosystem (not specific to this
place)
+1 to every task
+1 to every task
2
Meetings with local
community and
administration
Organizing of public hearings,
gatherings for discussion of
quarry exploitation
2
Public participation
in making decision on future
use of the quarry and quality of
restoration methods
Play board
It is better to print play desk in A3 format