Sustainable environment

Environmental management at PAREX is comprehensive. Caring for natural resources and ecosystem biodiversity that coexist with our operations requires special attention and environmental management strategies. We have developed an environmental baseline study of physical, biotic, and socioeconomic components to ensure environmental sustainability and compatibility with operations.

In addition, we consider the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, to be the most comprehensive inventory of the conservation status of plants and animals on a global scale. Resolution 383 of 2010 of the Colombian Ministry of the Environment is used for the identification of sensitive species and proper environmental management during exploration and production activities.

In 2016, we monitored and controlled the water sources of Lake Tinije, a fresh water lake in the District of Integrated Management of the Aguazul Municipality. The Aguazul Municipality is located close to the Rumba Project in Casanare. Even if the ecosystem is isolated and our project is upstream, we have set a baseline for it.

We also conduct environmental impact assessments in its exploration and production blocks.

We conduct surveys of the physical, biotic, and socioeconomic conditions of the project areas, and prepare baseline and impact assessments, which are used to establish environmental protection measures.

In 2016, 12 protected species were identified in the Company´s blocks: six were mammals, one was a reptile, and five were bird species.

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In Rumba, thanks to the control systems that are part of the operations in this area, there have been no environmental or pollution accidents inside or outside the location.

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Henry Gutiérrez
Production Supervisor for Rumba Field

Preservation of terrestrial ecosystems has become a worldwide priority. In addition to providing food security and shelter, these ecosystems are fundamental to the fight against climate change, the protection of biodiversity, and the continuation of livelihoods in rural communities.

Knowing that air, water, and food supplies are mostly supported by vegetation, actions that contribute to reforestation are key. PAREX aims to be a responsible player and take offsetting actions to promote best practices that contribute to the conservation of the environment across regions in which the Company operates.

The Reforestation Program was implemented in various municipalities of Casanare. In Trinidad, 4,491 trees were provided to the Municipal Town Hall and planted in May 2016. In Pore, 29,700 trees were scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2016.

In total, there are 21 native species such as cedars, balsas, ceibas, among other trees, which allow for the recovery, protection, and conservation of forests. To carry out the different reforestation activities, PAREX hired unskilled, 100% local labor, serving a double function: employment generation and environmental awareness, with the people of the community promoting the cause.

At PAREX, our commitment to nature and communities remains strong. Thus, we will continue to develop actions to protect biodiversity and maintain an adequate balance between our operations and the local ecosystem.

The implementation of activities that comply with the Company’s environmental management plan include the following:

• Traffic control, irrigation, and road paving to reduce particulate matter emissions into the atmosphere.
• Daily inspection and preventive maintenance of machinery and equipment to reduce emissions and noise.
• Educational presentations about flora and fauna to all personnel, emphasizing the prohibition of hunting or capturing of species for any purpose

In 2017, we will continue our commitment to environmental management, engaging all employees and contractors to strengthen our connection with and reliance on the environment.

Based on our commitment to the environment through our Environmental Management System, the PAREX Sustainable Office program was established in 2016. Initiated in the Bogota offices, this is a permanent program that encourages all office employees to adopt an effective environmental culture and improve their work environment.

The PAREX Sustainable Office program tackles important aspects of office activities such as water consumption, waste generation, energy consumption, and paper use, putting into practice the three-R principles: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

In 2016, as a result of this program, we avoided the use of 3,920 plastic garbage bags. At each workstation, garbage bins were converted to recycling bagless bins. Additionally, green garbage bins were placed in communal areas for ordinary and non-recyclable waste. Similar actions were implemented for the efficient use of printers. For example, in 2016 we used 37 fewer toner cartridges than in 2015. In 2017, PAREX will continue to develop strategies for the effective use of resources.

The PAREX Sustainable Office program tackles important aspects of office activities such as water consumption, waste generation, energy consumption, and paper use, putting into practice the three-R principles: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.