of energy resources that the region desperately needs. I know that this is a complicated issue for local communities. We are committed to working with them, using their knowledge of the land and sea, and addressing their concerns in our planning to find ways of operating that respect their traditional hunting practices. Since we were first awarded exploration licences in 2005, we have moved with caution. For example, we hired local Inupiat observers so we could benefit from their traditional knowledge of the behaviours of the bowhead whales. We signed a conflict avoidance agreement with the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, agreeing not to drill during the 2007 bowhead whale hunt. For our first exploratory drilling, originally planned for summer 2007 in the Beaufort Sea, we put 14 specialist ships on standby, ready to react in the unlikely event of an oil spill… In 2007, we carried out seismic work in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas and, in early 2008, were the highest bidder for 275 exploration leases. We will only drill in the Chukchi after completing environmental assessments. My colleagues and I are determined to listen to and work better with the local communities, so that together we can find ways to responsibly develop the offshore energy while respecting the region‘s native culture. (p. 21) ii.
Relationships with Neighbouring Communities Earning the trust of our neighbours starts with listening to the different points of view in a community. We typically use contributions from community panels, open days, surveys and local governments to understand what our impacts are, and what matters most to the community. We then aim to work closely with communities to reduce the negative impacts from our operations and produce local economic benefits through our business activities and social investment. We have a structured companywide approach to working with our neighbours. (p. 26)
iii.
Human Rights “Communities: help at a local level with issues like standards used when relocating people, respecting cultural identity, encouraging access to education and avoiding negative health impacts from our facilities.‖ (p. 30)
Other reports reviewed: Financial and Operational Information 2003-2007 (available at http://www.faoi.shell.com/2007/servicepages/downloads/files/ entire_shell_faoi07.pdf) o
Findings: Nothing relevant 39