Zarubezhneft JSC Corporate Biodiversity Conservation Programs as a Tool for Developing Socially Oriented Business in Russia

Environmental Responsibility as Part of the Development Strategy

Modern socially oriented business is increasingly integrating environmental initiatives into its strategy. Biodiversity conservation is becoming not just an image-building step, but an important element of sustainable development, especially for companies operating in vulnerable natural areas. During the webinar, Maria Golovneva, Chief Specialist of the HSE Department at Zarubezhneft, shares her experience in implementing corporate programs for the conservation of rare animal species.

Biodiversity Conservation Programs in the Arctic Zone

The speaker analyzes the experience of subsidiaries operating in the Arctic. In particular, the Zarubezhneft-Dobycha Kharyaga program is aimed at studying and conserving the wild reindeer in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Studies were conducted on the causes of population decline, satellite collars were installed to track migration, and measures were developed to conserve the species with the involvement of indigenous peoples.

Another enterprise, Rusvietpetro, focused on the conservation of the Bewick's swan. During field research, biodiversity hotspots and habitats of Red Data Book birds were identified. Creating a regional habitat map and preserving the ecological framework of the territory are the key objectives of this program.

Flight of Hope Project: Saving the West Siberian Siberian Crane

The central theme of the presentation was the Flight of Hope project, implemented jointly with the Oka Nature Reserve and the All-Russian Research Institute of Ecology. The project aims to conserve and restore the West Siberian population of the Siberian crane, whose numbers are critically low.

Using this project as an example, Maria shows how systematic work is built: from repairing enclosures and the feed kitchen in the nursery to organizing complex expeditions to Yakutia to collect eggs of wild Siberian cranes. This is necessary to update the gene pool of the captive-bred population. The reared chicks are then released into their natural habitat in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

Migration Issues and Alternative Wintering

One of the main problems in conserving the West Siberian Siberian crane is the long migration route through countries where crane hunting is not prohibited (Afghanistan, Iran). The speaker details plans to organize alternative wintering for Siberian cranes in Uzbekistan, which should significantly increase the birds' survival rate.

Environmental Education and Employee Involvement

An important part of the corporate program is environmental education. The presentation details methods for popularizing the project among employees and their children: organizing excursions to the reserve, creating interactive stands, publishing in corporate publications, and participating in environmental competitions. This fosters a culture of care for nature within the company.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to organize a corporate biodiversity conservation program from scratch?
• What methods are used to restore the population of rare bird species?
• How to overcome difficulties related to import substitution of equipment and animal feed?
• How to involve employees and the local population in the company's environmental initiatives?