Environmental issues are increasingly dominating discussions about the energy sector’s future. Climate change, illicit fishing, and pollution pose risks to the MSGBC coastline, which is rich in biodiversity.
The PRCM works with governments, civil society actors, and the private sector, including oil companies, to influence decisions, organize training sessions, and promote environmental concerns in the oil and gas industry.
Energy Capital & Power spoke with PRCM Executive Director Ahmed Senhoury about the advancements in environmental protection across the MSGBC region’s offshore oil and gas sector.
What are some of the current projects being carried out by the PRCM?
The PRCM has been implementing a marine and coastal zone conservation program for over 20 years. We are currently in a programmatic phase from 2023 to 2027, and we have launched several projects, including RESILAO, which aims to strengthen coastal and marine ecosystems and enhance their resilience. Another of our projects is the COBIA initiative, which aims to promote cautious management of oil activities and reduce their impact on biodiversity.
We also have specific programs, including one focused on the protection of marine turtles in all MSGBC countries, another on fisheries governance in Senegal and Guinea, and a third aiming to improve knowledge of marine and coastal areas and their biodiversity in Senegal.
The MSGBC coastline, which falls within the PRCM area, is an incredibly rich yet fragile ecosystem. Historically, it was one of the world’s most abundant fishing grounds, hosting diverse biological resources. Millions of birds, sea turtles, monk seals, whales, and dolphins inhabit this area. However, it faces threats from climate change as a significant portion is below sea level.
Rising temperatures and sea levels pose risks to vulnerable ecosystems and resources. Illegal fishing, pollution, shipping activities, and the presence of oil projects further endanger the region. Despite these challenges, the Banc d’Arguin, the Saloum, and the Bijagos serve as globally significant protected areas within our sub-region, emphasizing the richness and fragility of our coastal areas.
How does the PRCM collaborate with companies involved in offshore projects, such as BP?
Our collaboration with companies and the government focuses on providing information and influencing decisions to consider environmental constraints. We participate in debates on environmental impact studies and keep civil society informed. We also conduct training sessions for various stakeholders, including parliamentarians and non-governmental organizations. Our goal is to ensure that environmental concerns are taken into account in the oil and gas sector.
With BP, our primary focus lies in Senegal, where we have initiated a research program. Its objective is to foster research initiatives led by Senegalese entities aimed at enhancing expertise in the marine and coastal environment.
The program also seeks to generate valuable information and data pertaining to these areas. As part of this endeavor, we have carefully selected three universities in Senegal: the Regional Center for Research in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, The Dakar-Thiaroye Oceanographic Research Center, and the Siméon Fongang Laboratory of Atmospheric and Ocean Physics to undertake specific projects that will contribute to a deeper understanding of Senegal’s marine and coastal environment.
What approaches do you employ to manage the development of oil and gas infrastructure?
Our primary tools involve designating and supporting the classification of sensitive and threatened areas as protected zones, as it proves to be the most effective means of safeguarding them. For example, the government of Guinea-Bissau has submitted a file to UNESCO for consideration of the Bijagos Islands, which are currently listed for their cultural character, but we hope they will also be accepted for their natural and biodiversity aspects.
We also focus on enhancing the management of environmental impact studies. When projects are undertaken without proper assessments, we advocate for audits and assist the government in conducting environmental impact studies, particularly for infrastructure projects with significant implications.
Additionally, we have developed various resources, such as Coastal Sensitivity Cases and Management Plans for species like octopus or sharks, aiming to address the challenges of overexploitation. Our efforts extend to fostering transparency in management, financial practices, governance, and decision-making, particularly in relation to oil and gas activities and the crucial fishing sector.
Before the construction of Greater Tortue Ahmeyim, there were concerns regarding fishing in Senegal and Mauritania. Are you involved in raising awareness among local communities regarding fishing practices?
We collaborate extensively with local communities, primarily through national and regional fishing federations. We engage in discussions with them, addressing harmful practices and raising awareness about various factors such as climate change and the future of the oil and gas industry, as conflicts of interest are inevitable.
It is vital to help them understand the importance of striking a balance between preserving fishing as a livelihood while embracing the development opportunities that the energy sector offers for national progress and financial support. Our aim is to foster collaboration and cooperation and equip them with better knowledge and negotiation skills to navigate their activities successfully without conflict.
