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Q&A : Laguna del Tigre
Is Perenco responsible for the damage to the Laguna del Tigre National Park?
We recognise the serious nature of the problems facing the Park, such as those caused by migrant communities illegal slash and burn farming techniques. However, these are not related to Perenco's activities.
How extensive is Perenco's footprint in the National Park?
Perenco has a comparatively miniscule footprint, amounting to only 0.024% of the Park. Even so, we are committed to a reforestation programme that will ensure that the small area used by Perenco is returned to its original condition.
The road network used by Perenco pre-dates oil activity and was designed to connect Peten with the rest of the country.
How can you look for oil in an area that is a protected National Park and a delicate ecosystem?
Perenco's activities are compatible with the protection of the environment, and are within Guatemala's laws.
We are proud of our responsible approach to the environment and our strict adherence to both local and international environmental operating standards since taking over operating the Block in 2001.
Is there sufficient oil in place to make the ongoing development of Contract 2-85 worthwhile?
The Xan field is Guatemala's largest oil field and even against the field's natural decline, further millions barrels of oil are expected to be produced over the next fifteen years. This will be a meaningful contribution to Guatemala's energy demands and will give significant revenues to the Guatemalan government.
What is you view on the local controversy surrounding the extension of Perenco's Contract 2-85?
Perenco is committed to remaining a partner of choice of Guatemala. Oil remains in high demand and is used in every aspect of daily life in Guatemala. Like its neighbours in Mexico and Belize, Guatemala should be entitled to responsibly realise the potential of its extensive energy resource potential.
How long have Perenco been operating in Guatemala?
Perenco has been a committed partner of Guatemala since 2001.
What are the economic benefits that the oil industry brings to Guatemala?
During this time we have contributed to the country and on being granted the extension to the contract, this level of financial support is set to continue. In addition to the taxes and revenues paid by Perenco, a new initiative sees 10 cents per barrel being invested directly into the National Park.
Should a foreign oil company be exploring for oil in Guatemala?
Whilst Perenco is an international group, we are committed to using a local team. Perenco directly employs over 400 people, and through associated industries accounts for over 1500 jobs. As a leading international oil company, we are also extremely proud to have been instrumental in developing a significant new national industry and having invested in the creation of a highly skilled and technically advanced Guatemalan workforce.
Perenco has invested heavily in the development of the oil industry and born all the associated risks, whilst providing a stable revenue for Guatamala.
Are the local population impacted by your activity?
Wherever Perenco operates around the world it makes a commitment to improving the lives of the local communities. In Guatemala we are currently supporting over 500 communities across the country in an intensive programme that incorporates a number of different projects including education, medical support and agriculture.
What is the situation with the extension of the 2-85 licence?
The extension has been granted for 15 years in 2010.
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