bp experience in biodiversity conservation

1. bp experience in biodiversity conservation Dr Chris Herlugson, Senior Advisor Environmental Impact BP Group HSSE Vth World Parks Congress, Durban, South Africa September 2003

2. Polar Bear Research Fund DW Research Fellowship Southampton Caspian Regional BAP Coastal Zone Management Vietnam Bison Conservation Kansas Iberian Lynx Conservation Galeota Point Nature Reserve Trinidad Conservation Training & Resource Centre Indonesia DW Research Fellowship Texas A&M Sea Turtle Sanctuary Malaysia Noel Kempff Mercado Climate Program Bolivia DW Research Angola biodiversity action by bp real, measurable and positive impact conservation action and environmental research around the world … a record of partnership and collaboration … • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation • The Nature Conservancy • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds • Department of Fisheries, Malaysia • Woodland Trust • Forest Enterprise • WWF Malaysia • Global Nature Fund • Fundación Doñana • Government of Bolivia • Fundación Amigos de la Naturaleza • Frontier-Tanzania • Trinidad Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry • Wildlife Habitat Council • Earthwatch • World Resources Institute • Fauna & Flora International • Conservational International • World Conservation Union BP Conservation Awards Programme Global Scottish Forest Alliance Black Rhinoceros Tanzania … making a difference … • Providing educational materials to over 1 million students in China • Providing a purpose-built environmental education classroom facility for over 6500 students each year at our Decatur, Alabama chemical plant • Educating students and teachers in Malaysia about biodiversity and careers in conservation

3. bp conservation awardslocal conservation action BP Conservation Awards Programme Global BP’s Partners: Birdlife International Conservation International Fauna & Flora International Wildlife Conservation Society The BP Conservation Programme aims to support and encourage long term conservation projects which address global conservation priorities at a local level. All projects applying for awards must fulfill the following criteria: • Address a wildlife conservation priority of global importance (preferably linking with established work-plans e.g. national biodiversity action plan) • Have a strong link with the country where the project will take place (local people participating in all parts of project planning and implementation) • Have a majority of team members in full- or part-time University education (under- or post-graduate, and of any age) • Re-discovered of Indigo-winged parrot in the Colombian Andes; thought to be extinct in Colombia • Team received $75,000 follow-up award in 2003 to continue conservation work Supported a total of 194 projects in 60 countries The Programme is now in its 18th year, and first year with Conservation International and the Wildlife Conservation Society as partners

4. polar bear research fundresearch Photo by S. Amstrup Polar Bear Conservation Fund North Slope Alaska BP’s Partner: National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Commitment by BP to provide start-up funding for 5 years to establish and maintain the fund. The NFWF will provide matching funds through the life of the project and will seek additional donors. Polar bears are year-round residents of Alaska’s Beaufort Sea coast and, at times, enter the oil fields. The bears are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and by the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears. Their population is increasing while their habitat, ice, is decreasing. Goal: support independent scientific, peer-reviewed research on polar bears and their habitat on the North Slope to provide management information to make reasoned decisions • Future projects to be supported • by the fund may include: • Education projects • Habitat restoration projects • “Hands-on” protection efforts Operators have a responsibility to protect the worker’s safety and ensure the safety of the bears. The US Geological Survey uses aircraft-mounted forward-looking infrared scanners to detect the heat signatures of bear dens in areas of oil field activity

5. iberian lynx conservationendangered species management Photo by A. Sabater Iberian Lynx Conservation Spain BP’s Partners: Fundación Doñana Global Nature Fund Estación Biológica de Doñana The Iberian Lynx is the most threatened mammal in Europe and probably one of the most threatened in the world. • Conservation and recovery actions recommended by the European Commission • Monitoring lynx populations • Surveillance and monitoring action areas for impacts that may affect lynx survival • Identifying problem areas and areas where habitat can be created or improved • Improving lynx feeding resources in areas where lynx have been shown to be present in the last ten years • Lynx habitat improvement by boosting its hunting grounds, refuges and watering areas • Controlling dangerous activities in lynx areas (hunting, forestry and agricultural operations that damage its habitat, etc.) • Awareness-raising among the local population in areas with conservation projects Status of the Spanish lynx (presented by Icona – Strasbourg, 1992). • The lynx population is estimated at 150-200 animals, distributed primarily in two viable populations • Main population centers are in Sierra Morena and Doñana National Park • What BP in Spain is doing – the second year of support • Using resources to aid habitat and feeding projects • Republishing public education books • Raising awareness of the lynx through advertising and marketing campaigns • BP customers can support this project by redeeming their BP Loyalty card points Con nosotros, los oidos más agudos de España tienen quien les escuche

6. ma’daerah turtle sanctuaryhelping create protected areas Ma’Daerah Turtle Sanctuary Township of Kemaman, Terengganu , Malaysia BP’s Partners: Department of Fisheries WWF Malaysia Paka-Kertih area is an important nesting rookery for Green, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles; all internationally recognized as endangered throughout their range • Priority actions: • Gazettement of 70 ha beach area as official turtle sanctuary • Completion of biological survey of surrounding forested hills • Gain official protection status for forested hills • Important sea turtle and painted terrapin nesting beach • Abundant wildlife on surrounding forested hills • The forest is a rare example of undisturbed coastal hill dipterocarp forest • Forest safeguards an essential water catchment area • Ma’Daerah is a rare example of undisturbed beach dune scrub Current activities include turtle hatchery management, monitoring of nesting females, turtle-related research, education & awareness programme with special emphasis on local schoolchildren and public programmes to enable participation of Malaysians

7. conservation action • BP’s businesses contribute to a wide range of conservation projects around the world • These projects address endangered and threatened species and the habitats on which they rely • We support development of local capacity to effectively manage these important issues • We seek out conservation partners with the relevant expertise to provide direction, advice and management

8. indicators of success • Business • Strategic fit • Simple performance contract • A workable number of targets • Clear expectations • Clear responsibilities • Delivery • Monitoring and follow-up • Conservation • Strategic fit • Address a real conservation need • On-the-ground action • Committed, knowledgeable partners • Real expectations • Cost-effective