Chevron and Corales de Paz launched the “Energy Reefs” project, which aims to strengthen research and participatory monitoring of coral reefs in Colombia, through the Reef Check citizen science program.
Tyler Kruzich, Chevron’s external affairs manager, assured that the company is working on sustainability issues with a global and local focus, ensuring that it provides safe and reliable energy and that it also has low carbon emissions.
“As a company, we are investing $10 billion in its operations through 2028, and $2 billion is earmarked for reducing or capturing emissions from its operations and value chain. There is $8 trillion for new low-carbon businesses, such as renewable fuels,” said the director.
At the local level, Chevron is committed to the communities and economic development of the regions in which it is present and with social investments that result in a common benefit, such as the “Arrecifes de Energía” program.
Colombia has more than 180,000 hectares of corals, but they are threatened by excessive fishing, tourism and recreation without regard to marine organisms.
Major changes in coral composition, mass die-off of reef organisms, declines in coral species numbers and coral cover have been observed in the Colombian Caribbean.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Santa Marta has an extension of 670 acres of reefs and fringes and coral mats.
This initiative carries out the sponsorship of expeditions in the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific; among them in Santa Marta, Cartagena and Rincón del Mar.
The expeditions will include scientists, governments, mayors, the Ministry of the Environment, Autonomous Companies and community members to survey and monitor the condition of Colombia’s coral reefs.
“The project seeks to capitalize on the communities’ potential to care for the environment, while activating the labor and economic capacity of the coastal areas where the expeditions are conducted. We will be hiring human capital and local services for diving, dining and lodging activities,” said Alejandro Riveros, Chevron’s Corporate Affairs Manager for Colombia and Central America.
In addition, Juliana Rodríguez, Communications Manager of Corales de Paz, points out that “we want the communities that live near the coral reefs to be trained in the care of marine biodiversity, strengthen their ecosystem and become the main protectors, so that they continue to monitor and apply the knowledge acquired, as they are the direct beneficiaries of the Arrecifes de Energía project”.
In 2022, Chevron Colombia invested in the construction of an experimental station for the ex-situ cultivation of corals on the island of Providencia and Santa Catalina, led by the Corales de Paz scientific team.
This facility promotes the breeding and maintenance of Caribbean coral species, which are then transplanted into the natural reef. In addition, it is used as a genetic bank of healthy species to mitigate the effect of some diseases affecting coral communities in the Caribbean.
“Monitoring data collected on the ground is essential to understanding the status and trends of coral reefs. We are committed to expanding research coverage to improve data quality and accessibility,” explains Riveros.
Source: El heraldo
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
