Oil and Mineral extraction

No extraction in protected areas

WWF adheres to the principle that (exploration for) mining/oil/gas development should not occur in world heritage sites and existing or proposed protected areas (IUCN management categories I-IV).

The negative impact of mining on areas adjacent to these sites, as well as on other key landscapes and species needs to be minimized.  

To address this issue, WWF is focusing on the following actions:
  

  • Definition of ‘no go’ zones

These ‘no go’ zones (both for exploration and extraction) would be identified according to the principle that mining/oil/gas development should not operate in Areas of critical importance for biodiversity.

  • Assessment of opportunities for biodiversity offsets

These would be for oil and mining operations in the region. WWF is currently undertaking a study on the potential for biodiversity offsets from mining in the TRIDOM Interzones (Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon).

  • Development of a model of “Dos and Don’ts”

This would for oil and mining companies operating in the Congo Basin. For example: minimizing impact on biodiversity through anti-poaching measures. Lessons learned from the forestry industry could be applied here.
/ ©: WWF
Road for Belinga mine exploration, near Minkebe National Park, Gabon
© WWF
/ ©: WWF
Map showing permits for mining exploration, protected areas and critical sites in the TRIDOM landscape. (Legends in French)
© WWF

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Photos and graphics © WWF or used with permission. Text available under a Creative Commons licence.