Voluntary participation of the private sector
In Mauritania biodiversity protection and scientific research cannot be fully supported by public funding. This is why the programme has focused on identifying new sources of funding. We have developed a partnership with the oil and gas industry resulting in more transparent and trustful communication, sharing of non-commercial data, and funding of activities of the Programme Biodiversity, Oil and Gas on a voluntary basis. This included support for a ship-based surveys co-financed by Kosmos Energy and a Master’s degree course supported by Kosmos and Total. In addition, the programme is now collaborating with BP.
- It has to be understood by all stakeholders that private sector volunteer contribution comes in addition to contract obligations.
- Only serious and renowned oil and gas companies have been awarded contracts for offshore operations. Most of them have social and health, safety and environment (HSE) standards and policies.
- Mauritania complied to IETI requirements.
- Good relationships with local and headquarters staff.
- We cannot rely on public funding even though they would be greatly paid off for their investments in marine biodiversity conservation. Governments have difficulties to invest in environment protection. Marine biodiversity conservation, despite being a key factor for Mauritanian socio-economic development, is unfortunately not a priority. Therefore, efforts should go towards capacity building and awareness raising.
- Compared to real sustainable sources of funding, private sector financing depends upon the economic context. However, this partnership is also rewarding not only form a financial perspective.
- Unexpectedly, it was easy to get all stakeholders on board and support the idea of a voluntary commitment plan. However, converting it into an official document is time and energy consuming. And in the end not necessary to trigger consistent changes in sea use management policies.