Biodiversity

We are committed to protecting the habitats, ecosystems and species in the locations where we operate. We recognise exploration and development may impact this biodiversity and take a precautionary approach to our activities.

Our precautionary approach

Exploration and development activities have the potential to affect biodiversity on land and in marine environments. We therefore take a ‘precautionary approach’, believing that where threats of serious or irreversible damage exist, however uncertain, cost-effective damage prevention measures should be taken.

We assess potential biodiversity impacts, and engage with relevant technical specialists, government departments, non-governmental organisations and local stakeholders to guide any mitigation activities.

We do not explore, develop or enter into joint ventures with operations within UNESCO World Heritage sites. We recently extended this to include IUCN categories Ia (Strict Nature Reserves) and Ib (Wilderness Areas).

Biodiversity Framework

Our Biodiversity Framework sets out common processes and deliverables that apply to all our operations. Governed by the highest levels of management within our organisation, it is implemented locally in accordance with our Project Delivery Process. We use specialist tools for identification of sensitive locations and the risks they pose. This includes accessing detailed information on biodiversity through our membership of the Proteus.

We develop programme-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans for all our operated projects, as part of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, or equivalent. Specific Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) may be developed where there is either a significant risk to biodiversity or a clear benefit for targeted conservation. We commission independent consultants to conduct our ESIAs or risk assessments and, if required, to advise and assist with managing biodiversity risks and impacts.

Read a case study about supporting endangered turtles in Mexico in our Sustainability report

Environmental Baseline Surveys

Environmental Baseline Surveys (EBSs) enable us to define existing biodiversity, environmental and other conditions near our activities, using analytical techniques such as seabed, water and other environmental sampling and photography. As well as providing data for assessing our potential impacts on habitats and helping us to develop mitigation plans, EBSs also help us to determine the extent of existing damage arising from the previous activities of others, protecting the Company from liabilities.