TotalEnergies begins restoration of Murchison Falls National Park amid Tilenga Oil drilling
The affected areas had been used for exploration and infrastructure development linked to the Tilenga oil project.
Nwoya: As part of its commitment to environmental protection, TotalEnergies has begun restoring ecologically sensitive areas within Murchison Falls National Park, where oil exploration and drilling activities under the Tilenga Project are underway.
The restoration initiative, revealed during a media engagement over the weekend in Murchison Falls National Park, was detailed by David Ocanda, the Biodiversity Manager at TotalEnergies.
Ocanda announced that 217 hectares of previously disturbed land within the park have now been successfully restored.
The affected areas had been used for exploration and infrastructure development linked to the Tilenga oil project.
These efforts align with the company’s biodiversity commitments under the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process, approved by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Ocanda emphasized that the restoration focuses on re-establishing natural vegetation to encourage the return of wildlife in areas impacted by oil-related activities.
This is part of a broader Biodiversity Management Plan developed by TotalEnergies for the Tilenga Project.
To safeguard the park’s delicate ecosystem, TotalEnergies has implemented several measures, including; protecting wildlife breeding and resting areas, scheduling operations to avoid sensitive seasons, enforcing strict speed limits within the park, avoiding unnecessary environmental disturbance and monitoring wildlife movements to ensure migratory patterns are maintained.
Ocanda added that GPS tracking data from 15 collared elephants show the animals have continued using their original migratory routes, indicating that oil drilling and infrastructure have not disrupted their natural behavior.
To reduce environmental impact from machinery, TotalEnergies introduced a silent drilling rig, specifically designed to minimize noise and vibration that could stress wildlife.
Alex Makambura Atukwase, a monitor from the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), confirmed that the silent rig has significantly improved the situation.
“The rig emits barely noticeable sound, ensuring a safe and calm environment for wildlife,” he said.
At Jobiri 09, where drilling of the fifth well pad is nearing completion, Atukwase noted that wild animals frequently roam near the well pad, showing no visible signs of stress or agitation.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area, is home to a wide variety of species including lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species.
The ongoing oil development has sparked concern from conservationists, making restoration efforts like these critical for balancing development and environmental protection.
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