Earthwatch Expedition - Climate change in northern ecosystems
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Shell staff have volunteered on the Earthwatch Expedition in Churchill, Canada, since 2002.
This is a long-term research programme to understand climate-related changes in northern ecosystems. Annual data provides deeper insight into these systems and evidences the signs of global environmental change. Participants help collect data on features of permafrost, soil, tree growth, plant phenology, mammals and birds.
Living shorelines to reduce erosion
Louisiana, United States
We worked with The Nature Conservancy to develop a nature-based approach to control pipeline erosion in the Louisiana coastal zone. This is done by creating "living shorelines", bringing in soil and rock and planting native vegetation to improve coastal resilience.
One such living shoreline was constructed by Shell in 2016. Within several months, the constructed shoreline appeared more stable, and vegetation is reclaiming the area, helping to protect the pipeline and coastal area. Shell continues to assess its long-term performance.
Sharing information on migratory species
Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea
With support from Shell, The Nature Conservancy developed an online web portal that will house information about migratory species - fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and birds - in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
The tool allows researchers, industries, decision-makers and others to quickly understand the migratory pathways of these species, the threats they face, and provides information on the areas that are important for their conservation.
Visit The Nature Conservancy's Migratory Species Conservation Project website
Earthwatch Expedition - Climate change in Wytham Woods
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Forests store vast quantities of carbon above and below ground. Forests are complex ecosystems, so it is important to understand how climate and land-use change may affect how they store carbon in future. This research investigates the impact of fragmentation (being broken into smaller patches) on the forest's response to climate change. Participants measure carbon stocks and fluxes within the woodland, for example by performing measurements of trees, dead wood and leaf litter. They also learn about forests globally.
Piloting the Natural Capital Protocol
IUCN head office, Gland, Switzerland
Shell has been involved in several initiatives to learn more about the concept of natural capital. We are a member of the Natural Capital Coalition and its working group that developed the Natural Capital Protocol, a technical framework designed to help companies include natural capital in their decision-making. Shell was one of the companies piloting the protocol with support of IUCN staff.
To learn more about natural capital visit the Natural Capital Coalition's web page
Clean Cooking Alliance
Nigeria
Smoke from open fires contributes to the deaths of more than four million people every year around the globe. Shell is working with the Clean Cooking Alliance to achieve universal access to clean cooking solutions by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Watch our video: How Shell and the Clean Cooking Alliance help solve this problem
IUCN - Niger Delta Panel
Niger Delta, Nigeria
The IUCN-Niger Delta Panel was established in 2012 at the request of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC). Managed by IUCN, it comprised experts from around the world to provide science-based recommendations to help restore biodiversity at sites affected by oil spills and on enhanced remediation techniques within SPDC's areas of operation in the Niger Delta. The panel's work finished in 2016 but IUCN and SPDC continue to work together to improve the recovery of biodiversity at specific sites.
Earth Skills Network: mentoring managers of protected areas
Lajuma Research Centre, South Africa
Earthwatch partners senior Shell employees with managers of some of the world's most precious natural areas. The aim is to share business insights and knowledge and provide mentorship.
Mentors and protected area representatives meet in South Africa to share their experience, develop a plan to deliver improvements in protected area management and operations, and build a mentoring relationship which lasts for at least 12 months.
Safe to School, Safe to Home
South Africa
Shell South Africa's community road safety initiatives are aimed at improving the safety of children travelling on roads to and from school. Its flagship programme in this area is called "Safe to School, Safe to Home". It is being implemented by Global Road Safety Partnership South Africa (GRSPSA), which includes extensive road safety education for children.
Read more about the "Safe to School - Safe to Home" programme on GRSP's website
Protecting the Mesopotamian Marshes
Majnoon, Iraq
In the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq, Shell worked with IUCN, Wetlands International and others to help ensure that oil and gas development does not cause harm to the country's Mesopotamian Marshes and to contribute to their restoration.
Protecting the Mesopotamian Marshes
Majnoon, Iraq
In the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq, Shell worked with IUCN, Wetlands International and others to help ensure that oil and gas development does not cause harm to the country's Mesopotamian Marshes and to contribute to their restoration.
Waterbird survey
Barr Al Hikman, Oman
In 2016, 2017 and 2018, Shell Development Oman supported Wetlands International's survey of birds at Barr Al Hikman wetlands. The surveys have shown that Barr Al Hikman is home to 87 different species of waterbirds, accounting for more than half a million birds. It reinforced the global importance of the site as one of the most important stop-over sites in the Middle East for waterbirds and provided the basis for its designation as a Wetland of International Importance.
Partnering with UNDP
Somalia
In Somalia Shell's shipping business is working with the UNDP to help steer young people, many of whom are unemployed, away from piracy.
Earthwatch Expedition - Butterflies and bees in the Indian Himalayas
Kullu Valley, India
India's Kullu Valley in the Himalayan Mountains is famous for its apple orchards and farms. But flowering plants are disappearing, and the numbers of pollinators such as bees and butterflies are declining. This research investigates the impact of climate change on fragile plant species and the effect of decreased plant biodiversity on the number of pollinators in orchards and fields. Participants collect data about plants growing at different elevations and the activities of pollinators. The research findings could help to develop policies for agricultural management in the Indian Himalayas.
Helping farmers in China's Sichuan Province
Sichuan Province, China
Shell and non-government organisation Mercy Corps have worked together to help local farmers with their business and agricultural practices.
Watch our video: How Shell and Mercy Corps are helping local farmers in China
Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel
Sakhalin, Russia
The IUCN's Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel has been advising Sakhalin Energy (of which Shell share 27.5%) since 2004. It provides guidance on how to protect whales near Sakhalin Energy's operations in the Russian Far East.
A report issued at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress said that over the last 12 years Sakhalin Energy has made important efforts to limit the impact of its operations on whales and their fragile environment. During this period, the western gray whale population has grown 3-4% annually, according to the panel, from an estimated 115 animals in 2004 to 174 in 2015.
Earthwatch Expedition - Conserving monkeys and leopards
Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa
Mountainous environments are increasingly important as conservation refuges for many mammalian species in South Africa, especially in the face of growing pressures from farming and other commercial activities. Participants will assist scientists conducting research in four areas: investigating the presence and diversity of important species; assessing the extent of human-wildlife conflict; investigating possible mitigation strategies; and increasing environmental awareness in local communities.
Earthwatch Expedition - Sea to trees at Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
This research project investigates the impact of climate change on the forest and its species, as well as ocean acidification and intertidal species, to help inform the future conservation of the Acadia National Park. Participants help scientists collect data to assess the impact of climate change on the interactions between birds, plants and insects. They also help investigate how ocean acidification is impacting the intertidal system.
Dialogue with indigenous communities
British Columbia, Canada
In 2016, we entered into a partnership with RESOLVE, a non-profit organisation that founded the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) Solutions Dialogue in 2012. We recognise the principle of FPIC, as interpreted by the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards, as a safeguard for indigenous peoples' rights. We believe our approach is consistent with the application of this principle, while respecting the laws of the jurisdictions in which we operate.
For example, in British Columbia, LNG Canada engaged with First Nations (indigenous peoples) and other key stakeholders about our planned activities in the region.
Investigating natural climate solutions
Shell head office, The Hague, The Netherlands
We are currently working with The Nature Conservancy to better understand how investing in natural climate solutions can help address the global climate challenge. This includes exploring how nature-based projects, such as large-scale reforestation, can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere while improving the livelihoods of local communities and preserving biodiversity and wildlife. These projects can generate carbon credits which are used to compensate for emissions elsewhere as part of a transition to a lower-carbon future.
Working with environmental and social partners
Select a location to discover examples of Shell's work with partners around the world.
Environmental Partners
- International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- The Nature Conservancy
- Wetlands International
- Earthwatch
Social Partners
- Mercy Corps
- Clean Cooking Alliance
- United Nations Development Programme
- Global Road Safety Partnership
- RESOLVE
