Read examples of our work to protect biodiversity on land:

Valkyrie property in Australia (photo)

Biodiversity in Australia

The Australian government has approved a biodiversity offset plan from the Shell-operated QGC gas project which includes protecting an area with a rich ecosystem. QGC had acquired the Valkyrie property in 2015 as a biodiversity offset to compensate for clearing vegetation and habitat for the development of gas resources. It is located next to the Dipperu National Park and contains large areas of eucalyptus woodlands, endangered brigalow woodlands, semi evergreen vine thickets, riparian vegetation and wetlands.

Niger Delta

Restoring biodiversity in the Niger Delta

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.

Read “IUCN Niger Delta Panel: Stories of Influence” – a report published by IUCN which documents the achievements of the independent panel.”

Biodiversity in action

Restoring the land in western India

A once-barren 1,200-hectare area of land on the Hazira Peninsula in western India now thrives with flora and fauna as the result of an eco-restoration project initiated by Shell and its partners. The land, located close to the Hazira LNG Terminal and Port joint venture, is also providing an extra source of food and income for local residents.

Read the story “Hazira coastline gets new lease of life”

Backwater image having grass

Living shorelines to reduce erosion

We worked with The Nature Conservancy to develop a nature-based approach that would benefit the coastal ecosystem as well as 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. 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.

Read the story “A natural solution for a complex challenge for Shell Pipeline”

Oysters on a plate

Oyster conservation and restoration in the USA

Oyster populations are vital to the health of Louisiana’s estuaries which flow into the Gulf of Mexico. They filter nutrients, fine sediments and toxins from the water. They also improve water quality and protect shorelines. Oyster conservation and restoration is one of the funding priorities of the Shell Marine Habitat programme, a partnership between Shell and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

In New Orleans, Shell supported a pilot project encouraging restaurants to recycle oyster shells. The shells are cleaned and placed along the Gulf shoreline, where they become fertile grounds for new oyster crops.

Read the feature story: From the oyster bar to the sand bar

Biodiversity data access

Shell was one of the industry players convened by the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre to form Proteus. This forum provides access to global data to inform industry decisions and has helped to improve the accuracy and completeness of the World Database on Protected Areas, which now has information on 220,000 protected areas. In Shell, we are using the data to screen new projects for potential biodiversity issues.

More in sustainability

Biodiversity

Our projects can affect local natural habitats and communities that depend on them. Read about our work on biodiversity around the world.

Climate change and energy transitions

A key role for society – and for Shell – is to find ways to provide much more energy with less carbon dioxide.