THE Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess, and CNOOC have been playing 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 contributes to improved environmental awareness and promotes conservation efforts critical to Region 1, particularly in the Barima Mora Passage.

The work of GMCS is centred on balancing the preservation of biodiversity with the needs of the local communities. GGI’s funding strengthens these efforts, promoting the integration of conservation into the social fabric of the region. The support GMCS receives through this partnership allows for effective engagement with communities about the importance of protecting their ecosystems, especially as they face threats from climate change.
A standout aspect of the GGI’s support is the turtle tagging programme in Shell Beach. This programme monitors the nesting and migration patterns of sea turtles, some of which are endangered. By tagging turtles, GMCS can gather data crucial 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 was provided with water tanks, solar lights, and zinc sheets for water harvesting through the Sustainability Enablers project.

ExxonMobil’s commitment to environmental sustainability also includes training for ecotourism and capacity building. As part of the Guyana Conservation Initiative, the ExxonMobil Foundation provided a grant that supports selected indigenous communities in the development of their ecotourism products. By building the skills necessary 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 Centre is the vehicle through which this support is being streamlined, with technical assistance from Environmental Management Consultants Inc.

On climate mitigation, a notable area of action has been mangrove replanting, which plays a crucial role in protecting Guyana’s coastlines. Mangroves act as natural buffers against flooding and coastal erosion, vital in a country like Guyana which is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels. ExxonMobil replanted mangrove vegetation cleared at the Ogle foreshore, East Coast Demerara. The clearing was necessary for the installation of its fibre optic cable to service offshore activities. In addition to replanting efforts, ExxonMobil has supported the launch of the Mangrove Awareness Center run by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which educates the public about the importance of these ecosystems in climate change mitigation.

Further, ExxonMobil’s Environmental Resource & Compliance (ER&C) monitoring programmes ensure that offshore oil production activities do not have adverse environmental impacts. These monitoring programmes include routine checks on effluent discharge into the sea and assessments of larger environmental changes that could be triggered by oil production activities. Through its robust environmental management system, ExxonMobil actively works to assess, mitigate, and monitor any potential impacts on biodiversity, ensuring that its operations create as little disruption as possible in the surrounding ecosystems.

Additionally, 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 environmental impacts, safeguarding biodiversity in the areas where the company operates.

ExxonMobil’s studies on migratory birds are also a plus for Guyana. Since 2017, surveys have been conducted along Guyana’s coastline, documenting 225 bird species, including waterbirds, shorebirds, and migratory landbirds. The discovery of 19 newly-documented coastal bird species and the confirmation of overwintering activity by species like the Red Knot show the importance of these studies for 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 programmes 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 tangible action to ensure that its operations contribute to the sustainability and protection of the country’s natural resources.