Cross sector partnership results in increased marine biodiversity information, awareness, and an initial biodiversity action plan in the Gulf of Paria, Venezuela

This paper describes how a pro-active cross sector partnership between organizations has successfully contributed to a better understanding of marine biodiversity and consensus among stakeholders on conservation priorities in the Gulf of Paria, Venezuela. ConocoPhillips Venezuela and its partners discovered offshore oil resources in the Gulf of Paria, northeastern Venezuela in 1999, and have since been making progress on their development plans. At the time, little was known about biodiversity in this region; however, ConocoPhillips decided to address this emerging issue as part of the Company's sustainable development approach to hydrocarbon development. Further, baseline studies and consultation completed with the support of Ecology and Environment Inc. (E & E) - as well as preliminary results of an assessment of the West Central Atlantic (Caribbean) fisheries, which was being completed in 2002 by Conservation International - suggested that the Gulf of Paria could harbor important levels of aquatic biodiversity. In July 2002, ConocoPhillips requested a meeting to present its draft plan of development, to share results of preliminary baseline studies completed by E & E, and to seek input on actions to protect biodiversity. In turn, Conservation International shared the results of its assessment of the West Central Atlantic fisheries, which classified the Gulf of Paria as important to Caribbean aquatic biodiversity. Over time, a Memorandum of Agreement was established to complete a collaborative process of biodiversity characterization and establishing priorities. In late 2002, Conservation International led a rapid assessment program to characterize and document aquatic biodiversity in the southern Gulf of Paria. In 2003, ConocoPhillips organized workshops with a diverse group of leading conservation organizations, academic institutions, consultants, and other stakeholders to evaluate results of the rapid assessment; and achieve consensus on potential risks to biodiversity and opportunities for conservation. ConocoPhillips also integrated community input, particularly small-scale fishermen who are dependent on aquatic resources in the region for their sustenance. This effort culminated in an initial biodiversity action plan, which was published with Conservation International and formally launched at a Biodiversity Symposium, Contribution to the Knowledge on Biological Diversity and Socio-Cultural Aspects of the Gulf of Paria and the Orinoco Delta that ConocoPhillips organized on June 3, 2004 in Caracas, Venezuela. Later that year, the www.ConocoPhillipsPana.com website was established to provide a focal point and repository for information. Information is also available on Conservation International's Website at http://www.celb.org/xp/CELB/news-events/press/spl I.bar/releases/06032004.xml. Collaboration between ConocoPhillips and Conservation International - and other organizations - has confirmed that Gulf of Paria harbors a unique variety and abundance of aquatic species, including nine (9) new to science. The initial biodiversity action plan is the first step in generating and disseminating knowledge, raising awareness, achieving consensus on priorities and encouraging conservation as well as sustainable development in the Gulf of Paria through cooperation, engagement and dialogue among stakeholders.