Precious Anga
Lagos — A new report by a coalition of environmental organisations has raised concerns that planned offshore oil and gas developments across several countries could threaten some of the world’s most important marine ecosystems, placing biodiversity, coastal livelihoods and conservation efforts at increasing risk.
The report, produced by 12 environmental groups, analysed proposed offshore oil and gas blocks covering approximately 430,000 square kilometres across 11 countries. According to the findings, many of the exploration areas overlap with ecologically sensitive marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and breeding grounds for endangered marine species.
Environmental advocates warn that expanding offshore fossil fuel infrastructure could expose marine ecosystems to a range of threats, including oil spills, underwater noise pollution, dredging activities, increased shipping traffic and chemical discharges.
Among the countries highlighted in the report are Kenya, Indonesia and Australia, where planned exploration activities coincide with globally significant biodiversity hotspots that support sea turtles, whales, sharks, dugongs and numerous fish species.
The report also noted that nearly one-third of the offshore areas earmarked for licensing overlap with existing marine and coastal protected zones, raising questions about the effectiveness of current conservation frameworks.
“It is alarming to see the scale of fossil fuel expansion trajectories threatening the health and future of our shared ocean,” said Tyson Miller, Executive Director of Earth Insight, one of the organisations involved in the study.
The warning comes amid growing international efforts to balance energy security objectives with climate and biodiversity commitments. At recent global discussions on transitioning away from fossil fuels, several countries proposed the establishment of “fossil fuel-free zones” aimed at restricting oil, gas and coal developments in environmentally sensitive regions.
Environmental groups argue that such measures could help governments meet commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which targets the protection of at least 30 per cent of the world’s land and marine ecosystems by 2030.
Kenya emerged as one of the report’s key case studies. The country has opened 50 offshore oil and gas blocks for potential development in the Lamu Basin, an area recognised as one of East Africa’s most important marine biodiversity zones.
According to the report, the proposed blocks overlap with extensive mangrove forests and coral reef systems that serve as critical habitats for marine life and provide economic support for coastal communities through fisheries and tourism.
Environmental advocates warn that seismic surveys, offshore drilling and associated industrial activities could place additional stress on ecosystems already facing the impacts of climate change, including rising ocean temperatures and increasing ocean acidity.
Similar concerns were raised in Australia, where offshore exploration activities have resumed in parts of the Otway Basin after a four-year pause. Environmental groups say exploration areas are located close to marine sanctuaries used by pygmy blue whales and other vulnerable species.
Beyond Kenya and Australia, the report reviewed proposed offshore developments and liquefied natural gas projects in Argentina, Alaska, Cameroon, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, Norway, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago.
The findings add to growing global debate over the future of offshore fossil fuel development as governments seek to balance economic growth, energy demand and environmental protection. Environmental groups say stronger safeguards will be required to prevent long-term ecological damage while preserving the biodiversity and economic value of coastal and marine ecosystems.
The organisations behind the report are calling on governments, financial institutions and energy companies to halt support for offshore oil and gas expansion in environmentally sensitive areas and prioritise investments that protect marine resources for future generations.
