SAFCEI's submission on the Draft Scoping Report (DSR) For The Proposed Field Development And Associated Production Activities In Block 11b / 12b. South Africa

The Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) has submitted formal comments on the Draft Scoping Report for proposed offshore gas development in Block 11B/12B, South Africa.

SAFCEI calls for a comprehensive assessment of the project’s potential impacts on marine ecosystems, small-scale fishers, coastal livelihoods and Indigenous cultural heritage.

The submission highlights concerns about offshore infrastructure safety, oil and gas pollution, climate impacts and the long-term economic risks of fossil fuel development.

SAFCEI urges the assessment to consider the cumulative impacts of offshore gas projects, fairly evaluate the No-Go Alternative and assess whether renewable energy and storage could meet regional energy needs without locking the Southern Cape into fossil gas infrastructure.

The submission also calls for meaningful public participation, accessible multilingual consultations and financial guarantees for offshore decommissioning.

Read SAFCEI’s full submission here.