Operating in areas of high biodiversity value

We believe some areas are too sensitive to enter. But we also believe that through a transparent process, partnerships and stringent operating practices it is possible to operate responsibly in some areas that are under protection or rich in biodiversity. We define areas high in biodiversity value as:

• areas protected by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (categories I-VI);
• wetlands of international importance (according to the Ramsar convention);
• Natura 2000 sites (under the European Birds Directive and Habitats Directive);
• important bird areas (defined by Birdlife International); and
• and biosphere reserves (under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme).

We made the following four commitments in 2003:
1. We will not explore for, or develop, oil and gas resources in  natural World Heritage Sites.
2. We will further improve the way we operate in IUCN Category I-IV protected areas, and areas of high biodiversity value.
3. We will publicly report on our activities in IUCN Categories I-IV.
4. We will work with IUCN and others to help safeguard protected areas.

We have developed biodiversity action plans for major operations in areas of high biodiversity value to help improve the way we operate. Guidance from IPIECA/OGP ("A Guide to Developing Biodiversity Action Plans for the Oil and Gas Sector" (PDF, 782 KB) - opens in new window) forms the basis of each plan. We had plans in place at nine major operations in areas of high biodiversity value by the end of 2009, including six in places designated by the IUCN as Category I-IV protected areas.

There are six companies we operate with activities in ten IUCN Category I-IV Protected Areas:

Note: (1) Refers to current production activities and infrastructure for current or future production and transportation of hydrocarbons. This also includes exploratory activities and regular visits to the area, for example, for pipeline inspections, or reservoir monitoring through monitoring wells.