14 DAY TRIAL // If you feel like the Earth is shaking beneath your feet right about now, it probably is. Rest assured, it's not because of an earthquake (or at least I really, truly hope so), but because conservationists worldwide are jumping for joy.
The Guardian tells us that, following months of protests and debates, British oil giant Soco International has finally given up on its plans to explore the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The company decided not to go looking for oil in this part of the world despite the fact that, not very long ago, it was granted permission to carry out seismic testing activities in parts of the Park's Lake Edward.
Still, it says that these seismic testing activities are to be completed nonetheless, and hopes that information obtained in this manner will help high officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reconsider their plans for the region.
“We will complete our existing operational programme including completing the seismic survey on Lake Edward which is due to conclude shortly,” Soco International explains in a statement.
Furthermore, “The conclusion of this phase of work will give the DRC government vital information it will need in deciding how to proceed in Virunga national park.”
For the time being, it is unclear why the oil company has canceled its plans to explore the Virunga National Park. It is believed that talks with the British government, Unesco and high-profile individuals have had a say in the matter.