RIASSUNTO
Abstract
The remaining on-shore petroleum reserves in Ecuador are located within culturally and environmentally sensitive areas of the lowland tropical rainforest at the headwaters of the Amazon Basin, including protected nature reserves and indigenous communities. Regulatory obligations and stakeholder concerns require an extensive formal and informal consultation process prior to petroleum activities in these areas. EnCana and Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers (WALSH) have used the first phase of petroleum development in Yasuni National Park (YNP), seismic exploration, to gain the trust and confidence of a diverse group of stakeholders, by adopting an innovative set of new best practices, transparent dialogue and direct participation of the stakeholders.
The result of this consultation process was a modified project design and the EMP (Environmental Management Plan) that restricted heliports to previously intervened areas; restricted flight paths of helicopters away from scientific research stations, restricted use of rivers; and created offsets from sensitive micro-habitats like clay/salt licks, animal bathing areas, and tree-cutter ant farms. The execution of the project was closely monitored and audited by EnCana, WALSH, the affected Communities, an independent Environmental and Social Scientific Advisory Committee (ESSAC), an independent auditing consultant associated with the most respected environmental Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Ecuador, the Ministries of Environment, Energy and Mines and the National Heritage Institute of the Ecuadorian government. This participatory approach during seismic exploration has facilitated acceptance for the current exploratory drilling activities in this highly sensitive area.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
EnCana and WALSH prior to conducting an ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment) participated in meetings with the Technical Advisory Committee of the YNP, consulted the communities within the project area on the terms of reference of the ESIA, and formed the ESSAC to provide input in the project design and EMP and monitor the execution of the project.
The proposed seismic area was located in high diversity mature tropical rainforest in the headwaters of the Amazon Basin, within Quechua and Waorani indigenous communities, largely within Yasuni National Park, which is also a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve (1989), near two international biological research stations (Tiputini Biodiversity Station and the Yasuni Biological Station) and an internationally recognized eco-tourism station with Kichwa indigenous community participation (Napo Wildlife Center).