ExxonMobil and Rosneft have signed a deal to protect the Arctic's fragile ecosystem.
The declaration on Protection of the Environment and Biodiversity for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development specifically relates to the Russian Arctic Continental Shelf. The document contains measures to help protect the Arctic’s ecosystems during oil and gas exploration and development activities to be undertaken by Rosneft and its partners.
Rex W. Tillerson, ExxonMobil's Chairman and CEO, said: “We seek to manage the impact on the environment wherever we operate through continuous improvements in technology and operational procedures. We support Rosneft’s initiative and will work with them and other industry representatives to protect the environment in the Russian Arctic.”
Rosneft and Exxon have agreed to form a joint working group to consider establishing a coordination center which will aim to protect biodiversity. The timing of the declaration sends a strong message regarding protection of the politically and environmentally sensitive area, highlighted by the recent grounding of a Shell drillship in the Arctic region.