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Sinopec's Commitment to Biodiversity

On October 29, 2026, the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, made headlines by releasing its inaugural global report focused on biodiversity conservation. The report was introduced at the conclusion of the China Pavilion at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) held in Yerevan, Armenia. Sinopec’s endeavor not only illustrates its commitment to environmental responsibility but also integrates biodiversity protection into its operational framework across various international projects.

Key Highlights of the Report

A key figure in Sinopec, Zhong Ren, participated in the event, underscoring the company’s dedication to achieving a balance between energy development and environmental sustainability. During his speech, he emphasized how their biodiversity initiatives align with Sinopec’s broader goals of enhancing international energy collaboration while minimizing the ecological footprints of their operations.

In the report, a representative of Sinopec's branding department detailed the framework for biodiversity management employed by the company and showcased significant conservation achievements. The report iterates how Sinopec aims to ensure that biodiversity considerations are integrated into its Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management systems, applying conservation rules throughout project planning, construction, operation, and decommissioning phases.

Environmental Initiatives and Habitat Restoration

Numerous projects have demonstrated how Sinopec modifies its industrial activities to promote biodiversity. In Hubei Province, for instance, the company converted 11 oil depots along the riverbanks and 17 terminals along the Yangtze River; the Wangjiahe oil depot, operational for 63 years, has now transformed into an education and observation center for the critically endangered Yangtze River dolphin. Additionally, in its Zhenhai refinery complex located in Zhejiang Province, Sinopec has expanded a protective habitat for herons from 2,200 to 15,000 square meters, hosting a bird population of approximately 4,000.

Moreover, the Niukouyu Wetland at Yanshan Petrochemical in Beijing has been repurposed from an industrial wastewater treatment facility to a habitat accommodating nearly 160 species of wild birds.

Sinopec also invests in technologies aimed at reducing the ecological impact of its operations, including the development of China’s first major demonstration project for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and a facility producing 60,000 tons annually of fully biodegradable PBST materials designed to combat plastic pollution in agricultural settings.

Global Conservation Efforts

The international ramifications of Sinopec's initiatives are equally impressive. The report details international projects, such as wildlife corridors established near drilling sites in the Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, where their implementation aims to lessen disturbances for elephants and lions. In Ecuador, Sinopec has restored 2.4 million square meters of rainforest biome while monitoring over 800 species of plants and animals. On the Atlantic coast of Angola, the company has planted more than 7,000 mangroves to aid in coastal ecosystem rehabilitation.

In Australia, as a part of a long-term program dedicated to the protection of sea turtles, the company has tracked 47 green sea turtles using acoustic telemetry and satellite tracking, which assists in formulating measures to decrease disruptions stemming from maritime activities.

Looking ahead, Sinopec reiterates its commitment to expand international cooperation and bolster biodiversity protection across all its global operations, aiming to align energy practices with environmental stewardship for sustainable development.

About Sinopec

The China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec”) stands as one of China's largest integrated energy and chemical enterprises, operating across oil and gas exploration, refining, petrochemicals, and sustainable energy solutions. For more information, visit the official Sinopec website.