THE Stabroek Block’s partners ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess and CNOOC have played a key role in promoting climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability in Guyana through the US$100 million Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI). Through its support of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), GGI is helping to improve environmental awareness and promote critical conservation efforts for Region 1, particularly in the Barima Mora Passage.

GMCS’s work focuses on balancing biodiversity conservation with the needs of local communities. GGI funding strengthens these efforts, promoting the integration of conservation into the social fabric of the region. The support that GMCS receives through this partnership enables effective engagement with communities on the importance of protecting their ecosystems, especially as they face climate change threats.
A notable aspect of GGI’s support is the turtle tagging program at Shell Beach. This program monitors the nesting and migration patterns of sea turtles, some of which are endangered. By tagging turtles, GMCS can gather data essential to the conservation of these species and their habitats.

GGI’s support in Region 1 has also helped indigenous communities to be climate resilient. The Imbotero community received water tanks, solar lights and zinc sheets for water harvesting through the Sustainability Enablers project.

ExxonMobil’s commitment to environmental sustainability also includes ecotourism training and capacity building. As part of the Guyana Conservation Initiative, the ExxonMobil Foundation has provided a grant that supports selected indigenous communities in the development of their ecotourism products. By building the skills needed to engage in sustainable tourism, these initiatives provide long-term economic benefits for communities while ensuring that the environment is not compromised. The Iwokrama International Center is the vehicle through which this support is streamlined, with technical assistance from Environmental Management Consultants Inc.

In terms of climate mitigation, a notable area of ​​action has been the replanting of mangroves, which play a crucial role in protecting Guyana’s coasts. Mangroves act as natural buffers against flooding and coastal erosion, vital in a country like Guyana that is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. ExxonMobil has replanted cleared mangrove vegetation at Ogle Bank, East Coast Demerara. The clearing was necessary for the installation of its fiber optic cable to serve offshore activities. In addition to replanting efforts, ExxonMobil supported the launch of the Mangrove Awareness Center, led by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which educates the public about the importance of these ecosystems in mitigating climate change.

In addition, ExxonMobil’s Resource Monitoring and Environmental Compliance (ER&C) programs ensure that offshore oil production activities do not negatively impact the environment. These monitoring programs include routine checks on discharges into the sea and assessments of larger environmental changes that could be triggered by oil production activities. Through its robust environmental management system, ExxonMobil works actively to assess, mitigate and monitor any potential impact on biodiversity, ensuring that its operations create as little disruption as possible to surrounding ecosystems.

In addition, ExxonMobil has established land and habitat management plans tailored to the specific risks posed by its operations. These plans are designed to reduce and mitigate any potential impact on the environment, saving biodiversity in the areas where the company operates.

ExxonMobil’s studies on migratory birds are also a plus for Guyana. As of 2017, surveys have been conducted along the coast of Guyana, documenting 225 bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds and migratory landbirds. The discovery of 19 newly documented shorebird species and confirmation of wintering activity by species such as the Red Knot shows the importance of these studies to conservation efforts. This wealth of data informs ExxonMobil’s project decisions and contributes to a broader understanding of biodiversity in Guyana.

The combined efforts of the Greater Guyana Initiative and ExxonMobil’s broader environmental programs demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental awareness and protection in Guyana. Even as ExxonMobil continues to produce oil offshore, these initiatives show how it is taking concrete steps to ensure that its operations contribute to the sustainability and protection of the country’s natural resources.