Biodiversity in the Karachaganak Field

Biological resources provide essential benefits to human life in terms of the ecosystem such as water, air, food, medicines and raw materials. These resources also provide recreational opportunities and enhance the cultural value of the land.

An ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro organism communities and their environment interacting as a functional unit. The loss of biodiversity is internationally recognized as a serious global environmental issue.

In 1992, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity met and its principles became international law in 1993. Each of the 137 signatory countries, including Kazakhstan, the United Kingdom, Italy and the United States was required to develop a national biodiversity strategy and action plan.

The KPO partners strongly support the issue of biological diversity and are clearly aware of the effect that KPO’s operations may have on biological resources. The effect may either be direct through habitat loss during construction activities or discharges, or indirect, by impacting air quality or contaminating the land through production processes. KPO is therefore focused on minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

KPO actively uses Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), a process that examines the biological environment in which any new project will be developed. The EIA process collects baseline data and identifies potential direct impact on habitat and species. Plans are then developed to institute mitigation measures.

The EIA process also addresses indirect impacts such as emissions. Plans for these effects are included in KPO’s Environmental Management System.

KPO contributes to a variety of long-term projects. This contribution helps KPO to better understand how the company’s activities impact biological resources so that it can work to conserve them.