Social Studies for the Sohrab Oil Field in Hoor al-Azim Must Be Completed
The Department of Environment has called for the completion of social studies for the Sohrab oil field development project in Hoor al-Azim.
The Environmental Protection Organization demanded the completion of social studies of the Sohrab oil field development plan in Horul Azim.
According to Ambassador Arjan, citing the public relations of the Environmental Protection Organization, following the issuance of the environmental permit for the Sohrab oil field development project, the Environmental Protection Organization has emphasized in a letter the need to review and complete the social studies of this project; Studies that should be done by using the services of an independent and qualified consultant, with the aim of identifying and accurately evaluating the social consequences of the implementation of the plan and formulating effective strategies for managing and reducing these effects.
According to the notified provisions, the General Department of Environmental Protection of Khuzestan is obliged to identify and select an independent consultant from among the prestigious and native universities of the province. Also, the compilation and finalization of the detailed service description of the studies should be done with the exchange of expert opinions in order to provide a platform for a comprehensive, methodical and field evaluation of the project's social consequences.
According to this letter, the results of supplementary studies are mandatory for the continuation of the project; In such a way that the achievements, requirements and management plans arising from it will be an integral part of the environmental permit issued for the Sohrab oil field development plan, and its implementation mechanism will be notified subsequently.
The development of this oil field in the area of Horul Azim has been accompanied by the demands and concerns of local communities and social activists during the past months; Demands that emphasize the need to protect the biological structure of the region, protect the rights of traditional users and pay serious attention to the direct and indirect consequences of the project on the lives of the wetland residents.
Considering the existing sensitivities, the independent completion of social studies will provide the basis for a realistic assessment of the project's effects on local employment, traditional patterns of livelihood (such as livestock farming and fishing), the biological security of the residents and the extent to which the local community benefits from the benefits of development, and will be the basis for developing responsive and justice-oriented programs in the area of social responsibilities towards the people of the region.