Submitted by
niskanenl
on Tue, 11/05/2024 - 19:28
General Information
Resolution
49808
Period covered
I. IUCN Constituencies implementing this Resolution
IUCN Members
Ministry of Environment Wildlife and Tourism ( Botswana )
Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee ( South Africa )
Ministry of Environment and Tourism ( Namibia )
IUCN Commissions
No Commissions are/have been involved
IUCN Secretariat
Yes
II. Implementation
Activities carried out to implement this Resolution
Convene stakeholders/Networking
Policy influencing/advocacy
Describe the results/achievements of the activities
IUCN Member IPACC contacted IUCN ESARO requesting to IUCN ESARO conduct an on-site visit and to ask the governments of Botswana and Namibia to report on their plans to implement the Resolution. In December 2021, IUCN ESARO, through the Office of the Regional Director, contacted the relevant Ministries in Botswana and Namibia proposing a meeting the governments and relevant IUCN Members in the two countries to discuss plans for implementing the Resolution. There was interest expressed by Botswana to proceed with this but they requested an IUCN-facilitated meeting.
2023:
In July 2023, Canada-based oil and gas company ReconAfrica, which has been exploring for oil in Namibia’s Kavango regions since 2021, paused all operations in the country. A year earlier, in July 2022, In July 2022, local communities from Namibia’s Kavango regions brought a legal case against ReconAfrica in the country’s High Court, asking the Minister of Environment and Tourism to review or rescind the company’s environmental clearance certificate. Unconfirmed sources indicate that the drilling companies cannot afford to resume operations unless they find new investors/partners.
As of writing this report in November 2024, there have been no new development since the 2023 report was filed.
2023:
In July 2023, Canada-based oil and gas company ReconAfrica, which has been exploring for oil in Namibia’s Kavango regions since 2021, paused all operations in the country. A year earlier, in July 2022, In July 2022, local communities from Namibia’s Kavango regions brought a legal case against ReconAfrica in the country’s High Court, asking the Minister of Environment and Tourism to review or rescind the company’s environmental clearance certificate. Unconfirmed sources indicate that the drilling companies cannot afford to resume operations unless they find new investors/partners.
As of writing this report in November 2024, there have been no new development since the 2023 report was filed.
Challenges/obstacles encountered in the implementation of this Resolution and measures taken
Lack of financial and human resources to support Member States to implement the Resolution.
The oil & gas company seems to have halted operation due to pressure from activists - see above.
The oil & gas company seems to have halted operation due to pressure from activists - see above.
Future actions / activities needed for the implementation of this Resolution
l Member States to ensure that human rights and other international law obligations are a primary consideration in all policies and decisions regarding oil and gas exploration and development, and other extractive activities;
2. Member States to ensure that decisions regarding oil and gas exploration and development and other extractive activities respect the right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and that consent processes include comprehensive consultation on the adverse impacts of climate change, the impacts of the proposed activities on the climate, and risks to water resources, flora and fauna, forests, food security, livelihoods and culture, inter alia
2023:The oil & gas company seems to have halted operation due to pressure from activists. IUCN will keep a watching brief over this issue.
2024: There appears to be no change in status from last year.
2. Member States to ensure that decisions regarding oil and gas exploration and development and other extractive activities respect the right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and that consent processes include comprehensive consultation on the adverse impacts of climate change, the impacts of the proposed activities on the climate, and risks to water resources, flora and fauna, forests, food security, livelihoods and culture, inter alia
2023:The oil & gas company seems to have halted operation due to pressure from activists. IUCN will keep a watching brief over this issue.
2024: There appears to be no change in status from last year.
Are these actions/activities planned?
No
III. Status of implementation
Implementation status of this Resolution
Initiated: first stages of implementation
Report status
Published