Protection of Biodiversity in the Caspian Sea—Oil and Gas Development in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Abstract Agip KCO is involved in appraisal and development activities in the Kazakhstan sector of the North Caspian Sea and recognizes its responsibility in protection of unique biodiversity of the region. As a part of its sustainable development strategy and environmental protection / management program, the Company has produced a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for 2007-8. The primary objective of the Company Biodiversity Strategy and related actions is to efficiently and effectively avoid threats to biodiversity. The interaction between biodiversity, local communities and other interested or affected parties is crucial to this process. This strategy assists the Company to develop synergies between internal biodiversity programs and external local and regional environmental programs; and secondly optimise the links between operational biodiversity programs and community relations programs. The Company carries out environmental monitoring, impact assessment studies and supports key external biodiversity conservation projects. The integrated long-term Biodiversity program will allow Agip KCO to evaluate and reduce the potential direct and indirect effects (both marine and terrestrial) of operations in the area; identify mitigation / restoration actions to reduce current impacts and measures to improve biodiversity conservation in the future; and finally integrate the outcome of studies into our daily operations.