Map of Guyana.
A Guyanese high school student studies rock properties during an ExxonMobil-funded science camp led by the Volunteer Youth Corps.
The effort also supports emergency response planning through identification of coastal access points and priority protection areas. “Our studies found a high level of biodiversity that included potential for the presence of dozens of marine mammals, several kinds of sea turtles and sensitive habitats with three kinds of mangrove species. The northwest coast also includes Shell Beach, a protected area known to be a valuable turtle nesting habitat. Project plans take into account proximity to densely populated communities, commercial and artisanal fishing, public health and safety, cultural heritage sites and Amerindian indigenous populations. All of these areas were considered prior to beginning any drilling activities.” Kari Ehmling Environmental, regulatory and socioeconomic advisor
Environmental, regulatory and socioeconomic considerations
Engaging with the Guyanese government ExxonMobil’s commitment to responsible development extends beyond our own operations. We are also committed to supporting Guyana in its effort to achieve sustainable environmental, social and economic development. To this end, we are working with a number of government agencies to understand stakeholder priorities and objectives for industry growth, including a vision for responsible industry oversight and regulation. ExxonMobil, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency, has launched a technical workshop series covering topics such as oil and gas development, globally recognized best practices, international standards and environmental management technologies. Early engagement and continuous open dialogue have helped foster mutual understanding and effective relationships.
Guyana is an example of the collaborative and thoughtful approach we take when entering a new country. Before drilling the first well, we engaged the Guyanese government, communities and environmental and socioeconomic experts to gain an understanding of the potential interactions and impacts of our activities with the environment and communities surrounding our operations. Our early engagement included consultations with key government agencies and stakeholders, including the general public, industry associations and non-governmental organizations. We worked closely with these stakeholders to identify and address potential impacts in our plans and develop appropriate protective measures. For example, engagement with the local community was instrumental in conducting coastal sensitivity mapping. This mapping included environmental and socioeconomic features along the Guyana coast, such as locations of coastal communities, farms, fisheries and other sensitive areas.
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New country entry in Guyana for the Upstream business exxonmobil.com/citizenship
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