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While acknowledging the opposition by some to the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��-Shell partnership, Malcolm Brinded, Executive Director, Shell Upstream International,��highlighted beneficial conservation outcomes from some of the 60 or so projects initiated under��the collaboration.

Shell has been a partner with ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� since 2007. The event held at ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, was organized to foster a better understanding of the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��-Shell partnership and provide a platform through which views could be exchanged.

The partnership with ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� has led to the start of a North Sea decommissioning initiative and a project for a cross-sector strategic assessment of the Arctic region to eventually develop a regulation code, among other projects. Brinded said he hoped for ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s cooperation in setting new biodiversity standards in the exploration of shale gas, which is seen by the industry��as a revolutionary and important source of energy for the future. He said he appreciated ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s convening power to engage with parties that Shell has not been able to bring to the table��and said that ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ����was��helping the company move ahead.

There were several questions from Council members expressing their concern and support for Shell’s operations. They wanted Shell to set standards from hydro-fracking to lending its weight to convince others to adopt a ‘no-go’ policy in World Heritage sites.

It is hoped that��balanced and constructive criticism from the councillors about the Shell-������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� partnership will ensure that the initiative stays on the right path.
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For more information contact:
Dennis Hosack, Programme Officer, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Business and Biodiversity Programme, [email protected]
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