Block V and the Virunga National Park
Click here for the latest press release
WHAT IS BLOCK V?
Block V is an area of 7,105 sq km delineated by the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo for the purposes of hydrocarbon exploration. The Block is located in the southern Albertine Graben in Eastern DRC adjacent to the border with Uganda where there have been recent oil discoveries in the same basin.
IS BLOCK V IN THE VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK?
Block V does include a section of the Virunga National Park which comprises Lake Edward on the DRC side and an area of lowland savannah south of Lake Edward.
Block V does not include the Virunga Volcanoes Conservation Area, the Mikeno Gorilla Sector (the only area in Democratic Republic of Congo known to support Mountain Gorillas Gorilla beringei beringei) or the Virunga Mountain’s equatorial rainforest, and we can confirm confidently that SOCO will never seek to have operations in these areas.
WHAT IS SOCO DOING IN BLOCK V CURRENTLY?
SOCO has recently performed an environmental and social impact study relating to the initial exploration phases, which recently received approval from the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. SOCO is planning the following initial activities:
- Security activities, including de-mining and installation of satellite communication receivers;
- Acquisition of geophysical data by conducting an aerial survey;
- Pending interpretation of the above data, acquisition of geophysical data by conducting a Phase 1 seismic study (comprising compressed air) on Lake Edward in DRC waters (part of Lake Edward is in Ugandan waters where a seismic study has been approved.)
- Commencement of social projects in the adjacent communities, including village potable water wells for clean drinking water, capacity building, training and community involvement.
Map showing the planning area of activity on Block V
No, drilling has not yet been planned.
WILL SOCO HARM THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EFFORTS?
It is the general understanding that the greatest threats to conservation are primarily associated with the pervasive poverty and human living conditions that ultimately provide a stimulus for threats including civil and cross border conflicts, poaching and bush meat trade, deforestation, farming, and illegal fishing and grazing. It is reported that up to one million people live in the Park in various types of settlements including: fishing villages on Lake Edward's shore; scattered shelters of subsistence agriculturalists; illegal mining camps; camps housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees from other countries. Since 1994, the Virunga National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger.
We believe that responsibly conducted commercial activities can provide important measures of stability by significantly enhancing local and regional economies, thereby raising living standards for local communities to levels sufficient to reduce reliance on hand-to-mouth survival livelihoods, cumulatively impacting the Park’s natural resources.
HOW CAN SOCO BE A POSITIVE PRESENCE FOR THE VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK?
Through careful management of our operations, and integrated collaboration with other operators, organisations and agencies involved in the area, we can assist in providing a measure of stability to the region. By assisting with the enhancement of local and regional economies, we can help raise living standards for local communities to levels sufficient to reduce their pressure and negative impacts on the protected area.
We believe our presence on Block V presents us with an opportunity to appreciably support the conservation efforts in the Virunga National Park which can be beneficial to the work of the park rangers, conservationists, local inhabitants and the environment globally.
We will ensure meaningful consultation and engagement with the stakeholders and attempt to integrate our business activities with local communities as a good corporate citizen.
As a reputable, publicly listed organisation we are identifiable and accountable.
By engaging constructively and transparently and by planning and conducting our operations responsibly and with careful management, our aim is to be a positive presence in each region that we operate.
Click here for our approach to sustainable development
