Niël Terblanché
As Namibia’s upstream petroleum industry continues to grow, driven by significant offshore discoveries, public interest has surged.
Along with growing interest comes a pressing need for the media to provide accurate, well-informed coverage of the sector.
In response, the Namibia Petroleum Operators Association (NAMPOA) is hosting a press seminar aimed at enhancing journalists’ understanding of the oil and gas industry, particularly its upstream operations.
Scheduled for 24 September 2024, this seminar seeks to bridge the information gap between the oil and gas industry and the public by equipping media professionals with the tools necessary for informed reporting.
The seminar will feature expert presentations on essential topics, including Namibia’s legal frameworks for petroleum exploration, geological concepts relevant to the sector, the stages of exploration and production, and the environmental and social implications of the industry’s growth.
In February 2022, Namibia’s offshore petroleum sector made global headlines with major oil and gas discoveries.
These discoveries sparked a surge in local interest in the industry, prompting NAMPOA to organize a well-received seminar the same year.
Journalists who attended expressed a strong interest in the topic, and a demand for more comprehensive coverage quickly emerged.
With the recent discoveries generating continued enthusiasm, NAMPOA’s upcoming seminar will offer a more detailed, expanded program.
In a statement, the association said that it recognizes the importance of fostering public understanding of the industry, particularly its legal, environmental, and economic implications.
“Media professionals play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, and this seminar seeks to empower them with the knowledge necessary to communicate these complex issues effectively,” the association said.
Experts will provide an overview of Namibia’s legal and regulatory frameworks governing petroleum exploration, focusing on licensing requirements, environmental standards, and compliance regulations.
Understanding these frameworks is essential for media professionals to report on industry developments.
Journalists will also receive an introduction to the geological formations and terminologies involved in oil and gas exploration, enabling them to better grasp the technical aspects of the industry.
A detailed explanation of the technological advancements and challenges in each stage of petroleum exploration and production will offer insights into the lifecycle of oil and gas projects.
Additionally, the seminar will emphasize the importance of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) in ensuring sustainable development in the petroleum sector.
Attendees will learn about Namibia’s legal framework governing environmental assessments, and how it helps balance industry growth with environmental and social responsibility.
The NAMPOA Press Seminar presents a unique opportunity for media professionals to engage directly with industry experts through interactive sessions.
According to NAMPOA, this format not only facilitates learning but also allows journalists to clarify complex topics and ask questions about current and future developments in the petroleum sector.
“By enhancing their understanding of key concepts and regulatory frameworks, the seminar aims to ensure that public discourse around the oil and gas sector is informed and balanced,” the association said.
NAMPOA’s efforts to bridge the knowledge gap between the industry and the media reflect the association’s commitment to fostering informed public dialogue.
