UNEP - Norway Partnership

Explore the UNEP-Norway Partnership Training Resource Library, a comprehensive collection of learning materials delivered by UNEP from 2017-2024, designed to support training efforts for improved environmental and pollution management in the upstream oil and gas sector. Available to the general public, interested users can access presentations, group exercises, knowledge questionnaires, videos, and supplementary guidance documentation to improve own knowledge or integrate into existing training course curricula.

Catch up on our Global Webinar Series 2024 where we explored key topics shaping the energy transition, from gender equality, environmental considerations in the context of technological developments, effective governance and strategic policy driving positive environmental change in the energy sector. Discover insights and practical approaches to foster inclusive, sustainable progress in energy across all sectors.

Output E – Technical assistance provided to OfD country Environmental Ministries/Agencies to enhance management and regulation of the oil and gas sector

1. Technical advisory services provided for environmental compliance certificates (ECC) for offshore oil and gas in Myanmar (2016)

In 2016, the Government of Myanmar had launched two offshore exploration blocks (A6 and AD7) and requested UNEP to provide technical advisory support to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC), and work with their Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) towards the development of environmental compliance certificates (ECC) for permitting exploration activities in the licensed offshore blocks. UNEP assisted the ECD in reviewing EIA reports submitted by operators and provided technical inputs towards development of the EECs. UNEP further recommended: (i) continued training on EIAs and compliance monitoring for the ECD; (ii) development of oil spill contingency planning including exercises; and (iii) strengthen biodiversity mapping offshore. UNEP highlighted the importance of addressing co-benefits for coastal communities from offshore oil and gas activities and enhancing coordination between international development partners.

2. (i) Undertaking contaminated site assessments and prioritizing environmental hotspots in conflict-affected areas in Iraq (2018), and (ii) field demonstration of bioremediation techniques of oil contaminated areas (2019)

In 2018, UNEP conducted an institutional capacity needs assessment of the Ministry of Health and Environment (MoHE) and its environmental management capacity in the oil sector. The CNA identified seven main challenges, including enhancing MoHE’s contaminated site assessments and clean-up capacities, especially in conflict-affected areas.

In 2019, UNEP provided technical assistance and training to MoHE and the Ministry of Oil (MoO) on contaminated site assessments and supported MoHE and MoO in mapping and prioritizing contaminated sites in conflict-affected areas. They identified seventy-four damaged oil sites affected by the conflict.

Additionally, UNEP provided technical assistance for contaminated site clean up, which focused on pragmatic and low-cost solutions. Bioremediation techniques were trialed in Kirkuk which proved highly effective and helped to catalyze similar clean-up actions in Iraq. Experience from this pilot demonstration was captured in these videos, available in English and Arabic.

3. Technical advisory support for the Government of Iraq to integrate methane emissions reduction from its oil and gas sector in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (2021)

In 2020, UNEP, in collaboration with the International Methane Observatory and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), delivered a number of multi-country webinars and trainings for OfD-supported countries, with a focus on methane emission reduction in the oil and gas sector. Iraq was identified as one of the major methane emitters globally. Following these sessions, the Government of Iraq expressed interest to learn more about methane emissions in the country, and a high-level seminar was organized by UNEP for its senior policymakers. This led to the establishment of Iraq’s Inter-Ministerial National Task Force on Methane Emissions in 2021, whose members were also involved in the update of Iraq’s NDC revision process.

Subsequently, UNEP provided technical advisory services which supported the Government of Iraq in incorporating methane emissions reduction from the oil and gas sector in Iraq’s revised NDC submission (2.0). As a result, Iraq included a methane chapter in its NDC which for the first time refers to specific actions for emissions reduction in the oil and gas sector. The Government of Iraq also signed on as a participant to the Global Methane Pledge launched at UNFCCC COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021. Can we link to the NDC 2.0 submission? 

4. Technical advisory oversight of the methane emissions (pilot) inventory in Iraq’s oil sector (2022-2023)

Sustaining its interest on methane emissions reduction in its oil and gas sector, the Government of Iraq requested for technical assistance support for methane emissions inventory in its oil sector. In 2022, the Norwegian Environmental Agency commissioned Carbon Limits to pilot methane emissions quantification and build a Tier 3 methane inventory, using Carbon Limit’s MIST tool. The pilot involved working with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oil and the Midland Oil Company which offered to host the inventory process using one of their oil field sites. For this engagement, UNEP’s primary role, through the International Methane Observatory, was to provide technical oversight throughout the process.

5. Undertaking a preliminary Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) for Somalia’s potential offshore oil and gas sector (2021-2022).

In January 2021, UNEP initiated a preliminary Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) at the request of the Somali Government, with key findings presented in March 2022. The SEA aimed to support national policies for sustainable coastal and marine management within Somalia’s blue economy, including its offshore oil and gas sector, by identifying potential risks/conflicts as well as opportunities. Conducted entirely online due to COVID-19, the SEA focused on the Obbia, Coriole, and Kismayo basins, mapping environmental sensitive areas and key biodiversity hotspots, important socio-economic and cultural assets including critical infrastructure, among other data points. A Technical Working Group of 24 institutions identified 12 strategic areas with 24 key issues which prioritized environmental data management, oil spill preparedness, and harmonizing legal frameworks. In May 2022, UNEP trained government institutions on the SEA process, further prioritizing recommendations for future implementation. Hyperlink SEA Report

6. Technical assistance to support the Government of Iraq, Ministry of Environment’s EIA Department to establish its first EIA case and data management online system (2021-2024).

In UNEP’s 2019 institutional capacity needs assessment report, environmentally data management and strengthening capacities for environmental compliance monitoring were identified as important capacity challenges in the Ministry of Environment (MoE). UNEP proposed the establishment of an EIA case management online system to support implementation of Iraq’s EIA guidelines, particularly for oil and gas projects, and enhance EIA processes and project decision making and approvals. An online mapping interface, utilizing UNEP’s MapX platform, enables the EIA Department to geo-reference all EIAs in the country, and provides an initial visualization of potential conflicts/ overlaps with sensitive areas.

Hands-on training on use and management/maintenance of the platform was held in 2022 and 2023. The EIA Department led the platform migration on the MoE’s website hosted by Iraq’s National Data Center in 2023. IT personnel were trained to ensure long-term maintenance support. UNEP developed User Manuals in English and Arabic. Include link to EIA platform