Landscape Management Strategies (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Environmental Management): Revision Note

Land restoration

• Land restoration is the process of returning damaged land to a useful or natural condition after mining

• The aim is to make the area safe, stable, and suitable for future use

Replacement of overburden

• Overburden is the layer of soil and rock removed during mining to reach the material below

  • It is often stored nearby during extraction

• After mining finishes, the overburden is replaced to fill the hole or reshape the land

  • This helps return the land to its original shape and prevents erosion

Soil improvement

• The soil may be poor in nutrients or compacted after mining

  • This makes it hard for plants to grow

• Soil quality is improved by adding fertilisers, organic matter, and topsoil

  • These additions help restore nutrients and encourage plant growth

Bioremediation

• Bioremediation uses living organisms to remove pollutants from the soil or water

  • Bacteria, fungi, or plants break down harmful chemicals such as heavy metals or oil residues

• This process helps clean the environment naturally without adding new pollutants

Tree planting

• Trees and vegetation are planted to stabilise the soil and restore ecosystems

  • Their roots reduce erosion and help return nutrients to the soil

• Replanting native species helps wildlife return and increases biodiversity

Land repurposing

• Once land has been restored, it can be repurposed for other uses

• Repurposing gives the land a new function that benefits people or nature

Landfill

• Some mined areas are used as landfill sites

  • Waste materials are safely buried and covered with soil

  • When filled, the site can later be turned into green space or parkland

Lakes

• Deep open-pit mines can be turned into lakes

  • The pits fill naturally with rainwater or groundwater

  • These artificial lakes can support aquatic life or be used for recreational activities like paddle boarding or diving

Recreation

• Restored sites can be used for recreation, such as parks, walking trails, or picnic areas

  • These spaces can attract visitors and benefit local communities

Nature reserves

• Some restored areas are turned into nature reserves

  • Native plants and animals are encouraged to return

  • These reserves help protect biodiversity and provide environmental education opportunities

Benefits & limitations of landscape management strategies

Benefits of landscape management strategies

• Landscape management helps restore mined areas and reduce long-term environmental damage

• It creates opportunities for sustainable land use after mining has ended

Environmental benefits

• Restores ecosystems by replacing vegetation and creating habitats for wildlife

  • Tree planting and soil improvement encourage plants and animals to return

• Reduces soil erosion because vegetation roots help hold soil in place

• Improves soil quality through fertilisers and organic matter, allowing crops or grass to grow again

• Bioremediation removes harmful chemicals from soil and water

  • This reduces pollution and improves local water quality

• Converted sites, such as nature reserves, increase biodiversity and promote conservation

Economic benefits

• Restored land can be used for farming, tourism, or recreation, creating new income for local people

• Turning sites into lakes or parks can attract visitors and investment

• Using mined land for landfill or industrial development provides ongoing economic value

• Reducing long-term environmental damage can save money on future clean-up costs

Social benefits

• Restored landscapes improve the appearance of an area and make it more pleasant to live near

• Recreation areas and nature reserves provide spaces for exercise, education, and leisure

• Restoration projects can create employment for local communities

• By reducing pollution and dust, restoration improves public health and quality of life

Limitations of landscape management strategies

• Although helpful, these strategies also face practical, financial, and environmental challenges

Environmental limitations

• Some damage caused by mining cannot be fully repaired

  • Deep mines or toxic waste sites may remain unsafe or unstable

• Restored soil may not fully return to its original fertility

  • It may take many years for ecosystems to recover

• Artificial lakes can become polluted if leftover chemicals remain in the ground

Economic limitations

• Land restoration and repurposing are expensive

  • Costs include re-shaping land, treating pollution, and planting vegetation

• Some strategies provide little financial return, especially in remote or low-income areas

• Companies may avoid full restoration to save money unless laws require it

Social limitations

• Restored land may not provide as many jobs as mining once did

• Communities may be disappointed if restored land cannot be used for housing or farming

• Long-term maintenance of parks, lakes, or reserves requires ongoing funding and management

• Local people may disagree about how the land should be repurposed, leading to conflict or delays