Protecting biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity. We recognize that protecting biodiversity—the variety and complexity of life—is an important conservation issue that presents broad challenges. We successfully operate in sensitive areas by implementing scientifically sound, practical, and sustainable solutions rooted in environmental aspects assessment and risk management. These processes recognize a variety of factors such as rarity, vulnerability, and cultural value of biodiversity and ecosystems. These factors determine the levels of risk associated with our operations and appropriate actions to manage those risks. To protect particular species and sensitive habitats, we take steps such as modifying engineering design, construction, and operating practices, and enhancing wildlife habitats at our properties. We also support advocacy, research, and partnerships to protect biodiversity outside our fence line.

In 2010, we screened our sites against databases of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Protected Areas (WPA). We are currently utilizing this information to identify opportunities for enhancing measures to protect biodiversity at major facilities or project sites in the immediate vicinity of these areas.

Gathering and analyzing sound environmental data is an important aspect of our assessment process. We continue to work with the United Nations World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) to develop a comprehensive database for worldwide environmental conservation. In 2010, we also partnered with NatureServe and National Geographic to improve a mapping tool that lists threatened and endangered species as well as ecological system descriptions in the United States. The enhancements will allow users, including ExxonMobil, to better identify and evaluate the potential conservation value of land across the United States.

In Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas operation, water treated with trace amounts of chlorine must be used in the process of cooling gas to liquid. ExxonMobil Research Qatar conducted an environmental research project studying coastal water quality near Ras Laffan Industrial City. The two-year research project concluded that the very low concentrations of chlorination by-products associated with Ras Laffan cooling water discharges do not pose a risk to marine life. A report of the study was shared with the Qatari Ministry of the Environment as part of our ongoing engagement in the Gulf Region.

ExxonMobil’s 14 sites with Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) certification increased the number of hectares actively managed for wildlife from 140 in 2009 to more than 2600 in 2010. We have also identified additional sites for future WHC certification.

In 2010, ExxonMobil contributed more than $3 million to organizations dedicated to biodiversity and land conservation. For example, in a unique partnership with the scientific community, the Angolan government, and the private sector, ExxonMobil and the Block 15 consortium contributed more than $1 million between 2008 and 2010 to support efforts to protect the critically endangered Angolan Giant Black Sable antelope. The funding enabled the conservation program to relocate nine females and one male to a 400-hectare sanctuary within the Cangandala National Park. The sanctuary increases breeding opportunities and in 2010 led to the birth of two offspring.