The theme for 2012 is Marine Biodiversity, and to coincide with this IPIECA and OGP are pleased to announce the launch of Managing oil and gas activities in coastal areas – an awareness briefing. The briefing introduces considerations and recommendations for oil and gas development in coastal environments. It highlights key issues for decision-makers and their advisors, project managers and HSE professionals in planning, designing, impact-assessing and managing oil and gas activities in these areas.

Any form of oil and gas development in coastal areas poses complex challenges from the very early stages. This document provides an overview of key actions for meeting these challenges by addressing the incumbent risks and opportunities. It adopts a broad perspective for gathering and assimilating administrative, environmental, economic and socio-cultural information to effectively identify and address key factors that could influence the planning, design and execution of an oil and gas development.

IPIECA and OGP would like to acknowledge the Coastal Ecosystems Task Force in the development of this document and the assistance of Jay Wagner and his colleagues at Plexus Energy.

• Managing oil and gas activities in coastal areas – an awareness briefing