Topic: Offshore Drilling
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Emily Potts
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Mozambique position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
The world’s demand for oil has been increasing greatly over the last several years. Some people think that offshore drilling is the way to provide additional fuel to satisfy that demand. It is being explored in many regions of the world such as, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea and the Persian Gulf. While this may result in more oil being found it also presents several environmental issues. Possible consequences are, Oil spills, air pollution, seismic disturbances, water pollution resulting in death of marine life, and destroying beaches.
Mozambique is a very poor and under developed country. The possibility of oil rich areas off our shores represent a possible economic boost for our country which must be pursued. We have granted rights to many large offshore drilling companies from around the world to explore specific regions on our coast lines. Mozambique intends to work only with companies who have a successful track record in keeping the waters safe and uncontaminated. They must comply with internationally accepted operating procedures minimizing the impact on the environment.
Many countries around the world are already aggressively pursuing offshore drilling themselves. Countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand are currently conducting offshore drilling in their countries. These countries will support us in our efforts to begin exploration. Also, China and India, which are two countries that are in desperate need of oil, will be in full support of any method that would supply them with extra fuel for their country.
Mozambique launched its first offshore licensing round on March 31st, 2000 offering fourteen blocks in the Mozambique Basin for exploration. We have since entered into an agreement with Sasol and Petronas of Malaysia covering an offshore hydrocarbon exploration program. The EPCC for two offshore blocks was signed on October 10th, 2008.
