Oil and gas exploration, development and production can have a potential impact on the natural and social environments in which they take place.

In an effort to identify, mitigate or minimize potential impacts, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) and IPIECA (the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues) have published guidance on the fundamental principles for ‘biodiversity and ecosystem services’ (BES) issue management. The document defines ‘ecosystem services’ as ‘the benefits that ecosystems contribute towards human well-being.’ These can include products such as water, fish and timber, non-material benefits such as culture and recreation, functions such as flood control and the fundamental processes – such as the nutrient cycling and photosynthesis – that support life.