African Nations have a huge wealth of mineral resources and are naturally keen to exploit them to create valuable government revenue,  increase employment and raise living standards. Few would disagree that this needs to be done in the most sustainable way possible. Particular attention needs to be paid ensuring operations have a social license in the areas they operate and that they genuinely benefit the local communities and environments that are effected.

Numerous Oil and Gas projects operations in the region are presently causing concern, Shell’s operations in Nigeria and oil prospecting around the Rift Valley Lakes are receiving the most media attention.

Please contact Protected Area Watch if you have information relating to extractive industry and protected areas in Africa