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Thursday, June 12, 2014
SOCO International and the WWF have come to an agreement over the oil company’s right to explore in the DRC’s Virunga National Park. The two issued a joint statement saying that SOCO would commit to not undertaking any exploration activities unless UNESCO and the DRC government agree that such activities are not incompatible with its World Heritage status. This was agreed jointly in mediation through the UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines.
Rui de Sousa, Chairman of SOCO said, “Our agreement with WWF focuses the need for the DRC Government and UNESCO to also reach an agreement on the best way to combine development and the environment.”
SOCO will complete its existing operational program including completing the seismic survey on Lake Edward which is due to conclude shortly. The conclusion of this phase of work will give the DRC government vital information it will need in deciding how to proceed in Virunga National Park. The company also carried out various environmental baseline studies on Block V, including fish and mollusk studies on Lake Edward and an inventory of the hippopotami population, relative to the seismic survey. Going forward SOCO will honor commitments it has made to local inhabitants to continue with social programs as long as it hold rights to the Block V license.
Roger Cagle, Deputy CEO said, “SOCO is pleased that we were able to work together with WWF to hopefully find a way to jointly improve conditions in Virunga National Park and for its inhabitants.”
SOCO has carried out Ed Story, Chief Executive of SOCO, commented, “Today’s public commitment adds further definition and transparency to the Company’s approach regarding Virunga National Park and other World Heritage Sites. Hopefully we can all get back to activities focused on both people and the environment where it does the most good for a place that we think can have a better future.”
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