Environmental justice groups sound alarm over risks of South Africa’s offshore oil and gas project – EnviroNews

The Green Connection and Natural Justice submitted comments on Friday, May 10, 2024, on the revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regarding offshore oil and gas exploration rights (ER) for Block 3B/4B. The comments were supported by Masifundise Development Trust.

Located on the west coast, the project raises major concerns about the potential risks and negative impacts on some of South Africa’s most valuable marine ecosystems and the ripple effect on coastal communities and their livelihoods. The eco-justice organizations also emphasize that this, and other similar projects, are in direct contradiction to South Africa’s climate commitments, which should lead to a reduction in dependence on carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

Liziwe McDaid of The Green Connection highlights the catastrophic consequences of potential leaks. She says: “The impact of spills, even small ones, can devastate affected marine ecosystems, endangering fish species that support the livelihoods of local fishermen. And there is always the threat of a spill, however downplayed, that could jeopardize the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Our submission outlines several scenarios of oil spills, ranging from minor to serious. Each scenario has significant potential impacts on fishermen’s livelihoods, including job losses, market disruptions and economic hardship for communities dependent on the seafood trade.”

The revised EIA report – compiled by Environmental Impact Management Services (EIMS) – comes after a public review resulted in overwhelming opposition and concerns about the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. However, the review fails to adequately address these concerns and exposes the stark gap between companies’ profit motives and the public interest. The organizations also argue that the revised EIA report almost completely avoids the urgency for South Africa to pursue a just energy transition for all.

Melissa Groenink-Groves, Defending Rights Program Manager at Natural Justice, underlined the legal implications. She warns: “It is imperative to consider the legal framework when evaluating the risks posed by such projects. Environmental regulations and climate commitments must be met to protect both ecosystems and communities.”

These sentiments are also echoed by David Mtshali, Senior Program Officer Defending Rights at Natural Justice. It regrets that the EIA process followed in relation to the proposed project was not child-friendly, did not take into account the environmental rights of children, and was contrary to the principle of equality between generations.

The Green Connection’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Neville Van Rooy, says he is most concerned about how the risks associated with potential leaks, coupled with the sheer neglect of the climate crisis and the urgent need to move towards a just energy transition could completely destroy the economy. coastal communities.

He says: “Local livelihoods and way of life are at stake here. The risks associated with offshore drilling can irreversibly damage coastal communities, their livelihoods and even their way of life. Furthermore, the cultural and heritage importance of the coastal and marine ecosystem should not be overlooked. Any damage to these ecosystems could have profound effects on spiritual practices, sense of place and the overall well-being of coastal communities. Coastal communities will suffer the most from the reckless exploitation of our oceans. Their way of life is at stake.”

Should the project – led by Africa Oil SA Corp (AOSAC), Ricocure (Pty) Ltd and Azinam Limited – get the green light, TotalEnergies will be the operator. According to The Green Connection, TotalEnergies is leading the charge on South Africa’s oceans, prioritizing profit over people and the planet. Despite overwhelming opposition, TotalEnergies continues to persevere in its short-sighted quest for offshore oil and gas reserves.

The organizations emphasize the vital need for decision makers to prioritize both the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the well-being of communities that depend on them. Amid escalating climate change and rising social inequality, they urge reflection, highlighting the collective responsibility of government, industry and civil society to prioritize the environment and people over profit-driven motives. According to them, this is essential to achieve the positive transformation that our country needs.