The Falkland Islands are home to spectacular wildlife including internationally important populations of seabirds, penguins and a rich marine life.
The Falkland Islands are an archipelago of islands (two large and 778 small islands) in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 400 miles off the coast of Argentina.
It has a small population of 2,500 people, but tens of thousands of breeding seabirds and penguins also make the islands their home. At least sixteen species of whales have been found here and marine mammals abound, with a recovering population of Giant Elephant Seals. Since the early 2000's hydrocarbon exploration companies have been prospecting for oil reserves in licence areas far offshore to the north and south-east of the islands.
We have been working with our BirdLife partner on the Islands, Falklands Conservation, to try to ensure that these exploration expeditions are properly environmentally assessed, and that any risks of adverse impacts on the Falklands’ fantastic bird and marine life from the day to day operation of rigs, vessels and helicopters, or from accidents, are minimised and avoided.
We are now engaged in trying to ensure that the appropriate offshore baseline data is gathered to inform the environmental assessment of upcoming extraction operations. We are also working to ensure that the laws and policies which govern the oil industry and protect the marine and terrestrial environment more generally are fit for purpose. We hope to see a strong legacy of investment in the islands' environment as a result of the exploitation of its natural assets.