AUSTRALIAN energy firm, Invictus Energy Limited, says it is spearheading several sustainability initiatives designed to generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment.
Invictus is on the cusp of becoming a major energy producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant exploration success achieved at its Cabora Bassa Project in northern Zimbabwe over the past 18 months.
In December 2023, the company made a gas discovery and also discovered a prospective resource of 184 million barrels of oil condensate in the third quarter of last year.
“While the discovery of high-quality gas-condensate at the Mukuyu-2 well underscores the region’s vast energy potential, Invictus’ commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives demonstrates a broader focus on sustainability and conservation,” Invictus said in in a statement to shareholders.
“Invictus’ long-term strategic priorities encompass more than delivering affordable energy to the region. Behind the scenes, a dedicated and passionate team of operational managers are spearheading several sustainability initiatives designed to generate positive outcomes for local communities and the environment.”
In 2022, Invictus secured an international tender for the NGS REDD+ project, entering a 30-year partnership with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe to protect 300 000 hectares of indigenous forests near Hwange National Park.
According to the firm, the project supports a range of conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives, fire prevention strategies and reforestation programmes.
The project will generate measurable environmental benefits in the form of emission reduction credits.
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Imvelo Safari Lodges managing director Mark Butcher said without Invictus’ mitigation initiatives, thousands of animals would not have been saved.
“We dodged a bullet in southern Hwange this year — the work Invictus did last year was very instrumental in ensuring that the forests did not burn down again, which saved thousands of elephants,” he said.
Another key threat to Zimbabwe’s protected forests is wood poaching, Invictus said.
“Poachers selectively cut down valuable trees in protected forests and sell them to sawmills, contributing to deforestation and ecosystem degradation,” it said.
Invictus’ road-clearing programmes have also proven effective in deterring poachers.
“Burning these fireguards allows us to intercept these poachers and protect the forests,” Invictus field operations supervisor Garth Pritchard said.
Invictus country manager Barry Meikle emphasised the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts, with hundreds of individuals participating in community information sessions over the years.
“It’s incredibly important to collaborate with surrounding communities to not only educate them on the company’s activities, but also provide alternatives to using forest resources for firewood and grazing,” he said.
“We focus on three pillars — educate, empower and protect — to educate the community and school students, empower communities to help and then encourage them to continue protecting the forests.”
In the outlook, Invictus plans to expand its sustainability initiatives.
These proposed initiatives include creating additional nutritional gardens to provide a readily available source of fresh produce to community families, introducing rotational grazing to maintain healthy landscapes and launching a recycling programme to tackle the issue of plastic waste.
“Through its robust ESG initiatives, Invictus demonstrates that energy development can go hand-in-hand with environmental conservation and community engagement,” Invictus said.
“The company’s efforts in anti-poaching, fire prevention and reforestation set a benchmark for responsible operations, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity of Zimbabwe are preserved for generations to
come.”
