Preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity is of economic, environmental and social importance, it builds an efficient habitat, and constitutes a major factor for human health. AfriCorp Petroleum’s objective is to preserve the diversity of natural biosystems in the regions of its operations and make sure they are utilized in a lean manner that poses no threat to their ability to self-recover.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
AfriCorp Petroleum’s activities to preserve the biodiversity are based on the “prevent – mitigate – restore – compensate” principle which underpins its Health, Safety and Environment Policy.
Given the importance of preserving the diversity of species inhabiting our planet, especially high-value ecosystems, the Company undertook a commitment to avoid any industrial operations at World Heritage Sites and in the protected areas classified as categories I to IV by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. At each stage of its projects the Company does its best to balance the impact that its operations may produce and undertakes various ecosystem conservation projects and activities.
AfriCorp Petroleum seeks to avoid conducting operations in the habitats of valuable and specially protected plants and animals, in especially sensitive environmental areas, in plant vegetation seasons, during breeding and migration periods of wild animals, or minimize the impact in case it is impossible to cancel operations in certain areas during certain periods; it seeks to prevent creation of permanent and insurmountable obstacles for migration of wild animals in the form of linear structures.
The system of managing and accounting for biodiversity issues in operations of the AfriCorp Petroleum entities is described in the Biodiversity Conservation Leaflet.
ASSESSING THE CONDITION OF NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS
The condition of the affected ecosystems and biodiversity within the sites and water bodies is assessed and monitored at each stage of industrial operations. This effort is undertaken by research and scientific institutions which helps to follow a system-based concept in studying the ecosystems and provides an opportunity to leverage the acquired data for scientific purposes.
At the early stage, the planned projects undergo the environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure. The EIA records the current environmental parameters within the prospective operations site, identifies risks and involves the assessment of the impact the planned operations will produce on the flora and fauna, including the valuable and specially protected species. Following the assessment, measures are developed to prevent pollution, minimize the adverse impact on the natural environment and high biological value sites that are closest to the future industrial facilities. The resulting data are used as inputs in selecting a site for industrial facilities, and project alternatives may be considered as necessary.
MEASURES AIMED AT BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION
All entities of the AfriCorp Petroleum Group undertake biodiversity preservation measures as part of the Environmental Safety Program. Key measures include:
- industrial environmental monitoring of natural environmental components;
- biotic monitoring;
- monitoring the condition of water conservation zones;
- introducing fish and bird protection equipment;
- artificial reproduction of aquatic biological resources and release of baby fishes into water bodies;
- sedimentary control of minor rivers, including underwater crossings with pipeline systems;
- planting greenery and improving the area of industrial sites.
Special attention is paid to the preservation of marine and Arctic ecosystems.
