The construction of the 18 kilometre pipeline between the Sagari and Kinteroni gas fields, within the Machiguenga and Ashaninka communal reserves, is an example of collaboration between the Company and the communities in the area. The plans focused on maintaining the integrity and quality of the forest and protecting habitats during the pipeline development. Procedures designed for implementation were shared with contractors and local communities, with communication and training being the key aspects of the project.
Before taking action in such a sensitive environment, we carried out several studies to analyse in depth the area where the pipeline construction project was to take place.
A team of specialists was set up to design, implement and supervise the programmes. An environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan, and a biodiversity action plan were carried out to gain a better understanding of the natural resources in the area, the use that local communities make of them, and how they are affected by the development of the project, in order to design mitigation measures.
A community liaison plan was also developed that included the use of local experts from native communities to implement the procedures in the construction phase.
With the support of the NGO Flora and Fauna International, working groups were organised with local communities to review and improve the designed procedures. All data were taken into account for the final design of the pipeline, the location of supporting infrastructure, and the design of mitigation actions.
Following the impact mitigation hierarchy, the measures applied were:
- Identification of sensitive flora and fauna and monitoring of changes during the project.
- Inventory, rescue and relocation of orchids and bromeliads.
- Identification and preservation of canopy bridges: large trees that will serve as a connection between the two sides of the pipeline, to mitigate habitat fragmentation.
- Implementation of early warning systems with localisation of biologically sensitive areas, such as wildlife trails, breeding grounds or water troughs.
- Monitoring of ocelot migration, as this species is an important natural indicator of habitat status.
- Reforestation and other remediation actions.
- Control of invasive alien species.
- Training and awareness-raising for employees and contractors.
As part of the training programme, awareness-raising talks on biodiversity and ecosystem services were given to all the employees involved in the construction of the pipeline.
The procedures formed part of the management systems of the contractors in charge of the construction of the project. In addition, we developed a data capture tool that allowed us to track the implementation of the impact mitigation measures carried out.