Biodiversity protection
Biodiversity is a wide-ranging concept that refers not only to ecosystems and their living components, but also to the ecological processes that sustain them and the services that these processes provide.
Applying best management practices
As part of our mission to be an energy company committed to a sustainable world, at Repsol we are concerned about mitigating impacts on biodiversity and the resources it provides us with during the planning and development of our projects and operations, regardless of where they are located.
We are aware of the important and positive role that companies can play in finding solutions the global challenges of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss. For this reason, at Repsol we focus our management practices on:
A holistic view
We integrate natural capital, biodiversity, and the protection of ecosystem services into management systems and decision-making processes.
Collaborating with stakeholders
We collaborate with local communities and engage stakeholders, understanding their expectations on biodiversity.
Assessing impacts and dependencies
We analyze the impacts and dependencies associated with the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity and other elements of natural capital.
Applying the mitigation hierarchy
We implement measures to avoid and minimize impacts on biodiversity and natural capital and to restore the environment in which we operate.
Monitoring performance
We develop KPIs that allow us to measure performance and optimize management measures.
Participating in projects
We take part in research, conservation, education, and awareness-raising projects on biodiversity and the environment.
Impact mitigation hierarchy
Applying the hierarchy of mitigation of potential impacts on biodiversity is fundamental. Repsol was the first company in the energy sector to apply the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) Management Ladder methodology, developed by the Global Oil and Gas Industry Association for environmental and social issues (IPIECA). This framework, which was also defined with the participation of experts from our company, enables us to analyze the current situation of an asset and to identify the next steps to be taken. It focuses on six interrelated management practices:
In order to apply this methodology, we have internal environmental management regulations, which include Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessments (ESHIA) for all new operations or facilities. These studies ensure that all potential impacts are identified as early as possible in the project life cycle and are taken into account in the project design to prevent and mitigate their effects.
The regulations include, among other aspects, the obligation to determine the sensitivity of the area of influence of the operations and to assess, project by project, the continuity or not in the case of sensitive areas.
Success stories
We adapt management actions to the specific needs of the areas where we are present.