Environmental Impact Assessment Oil exploitation in SW Sudan

In most of southern Sudan is oil exploitation going on. Big oil fields are established which has consequences for nature

and local population.

                                                                             Paloich oilfield

By comparing Landsat images of November 1999 with November 2005, significant changes was found in the agricultural use,

settlement patterns and hydrology, the satellite imagery analysis were verified by on site visits and interviews in the area.

The Machar Marshes are among the larges in the world and contribute to the draining systems of the Nile, they have high

nature value and the areas are used for small holder agriculture and by nomads for winter grassing. Lately, oil has been found

in the areas and big programs have started for exploration of the oil. Satellite images are excellent and a cheap measure to

spot the consequence of the oil exploration activities, including all weather roads which blocks and disturbers the natural

draining of the area.

Full report: http://www.ecosonline.org/index.cfm?event=showreports&page=reports

Client: Client: The European Coalition on Oil in Sudan (ECOS)