Application of Mitigation Hierarchy During the Development Phase of Tilenga Project, Uganda

Abstract The Tilenga project operated by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Uganda, is an onshore oil project located in the Lake Albert Basin of Uganda. The project consists of six fields with one field in the Murchison Falls National Park, a critical habitat homing many threatened species of animals including lion, African elephant and Eastern chimpanzees. In line with TotalEnergies‘ Biodiversity Commitments, TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Uganda integrated the mitigation hierarchy doctrine throughout all the different phases of project activities. To inform mitigation hierarchy application, TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Uganda, conducted Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) studies to collect baseline data and information of the project from 2012 to 2017 to identify, analyze and predict project impacts and develop mitigation measures. The mitigation hierarchy, therefore, offered a powerful framework for identifying and prioritizing mitigations actions detailed in the Tilenga ESIA reports, biodiversity management plans and relevant permits. Adherence to the application of mitigation hierarchy contributed to achieving the following: The pre-site clearance surveys contributed greatly to the avoidance of wildlife disturbance and protection of sensitive features such as waterpoints wallows, mature trees, nesting and breeding areas of animals and birds on the project area. For instance, a total of 75 mature trees belonging to twelve (12) different species, and dominated by Borassus aethiopum (22), Vachellia sieberiana (15), Balanites aegyptiaca (8) and reserve tree species as per the Uganda National Regulation, namely Mangifera indica (11) and Tamarindus indica (2) were avoided and saved during the site clearance, grubbing and construction activities of project facilities and access roads including quarry sites. These surveys coupled with the daily field observations by biodiversity field officers also informed the intervention required to rescue and relocate animals, and to protect nesting birds within the project footprint. From 2021 to 2024, a total of 65 (sixty-five) wildlife, dominated by species of reptiles (57) were rescued from various locations such as accommodation camps, Industrial Area, Pipeline Right of Way, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) pads, wellpads, access road, and safely relocated to natural habitat in Murchison Falls National Park with the support of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Park Rangers. Furthermore, during the execution of project activities, four (4) species of birds dominated by Lapwings and Plovers observed nesting at several locations, were saved by biodiversity specialists who advised the contractors to move to another location to avoid and protect the nesting birds. The application of physical and operational control measures during the execution of each activity contributed to reduction in the duration, intensity, and extent of activities to minimize species disturbance and destruction of their habitats through the adaptation and strict adherence to daily work operational schedule, method statements, procedures and protocols for each specific project activity. For instance, preventive actions/ measures like decontamination of equipment/facilities, early detection and management of emerging Invasive Alien Species (IAS) led to the reduction in the introduction and spread of the twelve (12) invasive alien species of plants recorded present within the project footprints. For example, from 2022 to May 2024, total of 218 equipment was disinfected through high pressure washing before mobilizing for works in the park. The early detection by biodiversity field officers and subsequent management by contractors contributed greatly to the reduction of IAS spread within the project area. Furthermore, training of contractors and subcontractors by biodiversity specialists on Invasive Alien Species risks, identification, introduction, spread and management in addition to the mandatory Tilenga Project Park Rules– the Do's and Don'ts in the Park contributed greatly to better understanding of IAS risks by project contractors and preventive actions to manage and control IAS within the project footprint area. The mitigation hierarchy application throughout the project cycle, built confidence and better understanding of the project impacts management among stakeholders at local and national levels through regular site inspections and meetings together with project stakeholders, and this led to increased support and ownership of the project. In general, consistent implementation of mitigation hierarchy throughout the Tilenga project cycle, immensely contributed to safeguarding wildlife habitats, protection of endangered species, and maintenance of Murchison Falls National Park biodiversity.