Sustainable Development & Management of the Petroleum Sector in Sudan

General

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) has a four-year project within the Oil for development program. The main objective of the project is to obtain more exploitation of oil from existing reservoirs. As part of the project, assistance using GIS for departments under the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas is included. Purpose The Oil for Development (OfD) Programme offers assistance to developing countries in their efforts to manage petroleum resources in a sustainable manner. Oil and gas play an important role in an increasing number of developing countries, and have the potential to generate economic and social development. In several cases, however, it has proven difficult to translate the resource into improved welfare for citizens of those countries. Through the OfD Programme, Norway shares its experience from five decades of managing oil and gas resources. Some key characteristics of the Norwegian experience are strategic ownership by the state, strong and competent institutions, continual accumulation of technical knowledge, an advanced regulatory system with high respect for the environment, health and safety, and perhaps above all – society’s determination to secure national control over its petroleum resources. NPD will in the OfD Programme cooperate with Ministry of Petroleum and Gas (MOPG) in Sudan within the project “Sustainable Development & Management of the Petroleum Sector in Sudan”. One component in the project is a Geographical Information System (GIS). The Norwegian Mapping Authority will contribute with deliverables on behalf of NPD within GIS data management. The main target of the project is to implement a sustainable infrastructure for acquiring, maintaining and distributing spatial data, including: •Spatial Data management •Standardization of data and exchange •GIS and Imaging Tools •Distribution tools including web portal and web services •Human resource skills, knowledge and capacity to manage, maintain and enhance the infrastructure Activities The project is divided into three phases: 1.Phase 1 involves creating data models for the spatial data, creating a data repository, implementing a GIS tool, and publishing a standard for the spatial data (for its’ content, structure and exchange). 2.Phase 2 involves creating a web portal for viewing, browsing and basic capture of spatial data; implementing image processing and management tools; and establishing web services for stakeholders. 3.Phase 3 involves setting up online communication channels for stakeholders; enhancing GIS functionality for analysis; and ensuring that an infrastructure for spatial data is operative