Biodiversity for Eni
The importance of operating responsibly
Biodiversity plays a fundamental and widely recognised role in human well-being, for a healthy planet and for the economic wealth of all people. We depend on Nature for food, medicines, energy, clean air and water, protection from natural disasters, cultural and recreational values.
196 countries adhering to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have adopted the Biodiversity Plan (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). The Plan establishes targets for 2030 and goals for 2050, aimed at protecting and restoring nature.
In the context of the new Biodiversity Plan of the CBD, we confirm our commitment to operating responsibly, promoting continuous improvement in the management of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) towards the goal of no net loss or net gain of biodiversity, depending on the risks and the specific context of the project.
We are monitoring the development of the most important European and international frameworks in order to align with the metrics for measuring nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities, and to validate relevant time-bound targets once the methodologies have been finalised.
Target 15 - “Kunming-Montreal”
Target 15 of the Biodiversity Plan requires large companies to regularly monitor, assess and transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity.
What are the risks, dependencies and potential impacts of Eni's activities and services on Biodiversity?
BES risks depend on the complexity of each project and the value of the natural environment and the social context in which the activities take place.
It is however possible to identify more significant potential risks, dependencies and impacts typically associated with Eni's activities and services that can contribute to the main drivers of Nature change (IPBES 2020). If left unmanaged, these risks can ultimately be more significant when activities are carried out within or near areas that are sensitive from the point of view of biodiversity conservation, e.g. critical habitats, protected areas and key biodiversity areas (KBAs). It is precisely these that are a priority for Eni in managing potential consequences on nature.
(1) Actions typically applied, but not limited to. Note that some of them (i.e. application of the Mitigation Hierarchy and stakeholders engagement) are cross-cutting actions applicable to any nature change driver.
(2) World Heritage Sites
These are combined with indirect impacts resulting from the displacement of people, the establishment of new economic activities and the opening of new accesses potentially inducing changes in land use.
How do we manage impacts?
By applying the BES Policy and implementing Eni's BES Management model, we act early in the decision-making process and iteratively throughout the life cycle of a project or asset. Our approach includes:
1
Design, implementation and monitoring of Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs)
It applies to priority sites with significant exposure to biodiversity risk, such as those that overlap with or are in close proximity to protected areas, areas important for biodiversity and threatened species habitats
2
Application of Mitigation Hierarchy
We prioritise preventive actions over corrective ones, towards the goal of no net loss or a net gain of biodiversity, depending on project-specific risks and context
3
Long-term partnerships
We collaborate with leading international organisations in the field of biodiversity conservation and with local experts to ensure the application of technical-scientific approaches and the alignment with international standards and best practices
2019: “NO GO”
In the case of areas that are recognised by UNESCO as sites of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), Eni has adopted a “NO GO” policy.
Eni does not conduct oil and gas exploration and development activities within the boundaries of Natural Sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (as of May 31, 2019).
If we operate (explore, develop and produce) in areas of high biodiversity value, we are committed to the conservation of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) by implementing our management model in compliance with Eni BES Policy.
When we work in joint ventures we do not operate, we are committed to promote with our partners the development and adoption of good management practices in line with our BES Policy.
Country cards
Italy, Spain, Republic of Congo, Ghana and Alaska
The best demonstration of how our model works is by describing practical examples illustrating its application at operational sites, in different environmental contexts and at different stages of the project cycle. Go to chapter 2 to learn more.
How do we communicate our actions for the conservation of biodiversity?
Eni adheres to the GRI voluntary standard (1) and includes in its annual sustainability reports information on its impacts on biodiversity concerning:
- Operational sites owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value (KBA) outside protected areas.
- Significant impacts of activities, products and services on biodiversity.
- Habitats protected or restored.
- Total number of IUCN Red List species with habitats in the areas where the organisation operates, by level of extinction risk.
Download area
BES Policy
Eni Biodiversity - Executive Summary
Eni for 2023 – A Just Transition
Eni for 2023 – Sustainability Performance