This publication, prepared in cooperation with the oil industry's Exploration Production Forum, sets out the oil exploration process, describes the potential environmental consequences of exploration and recommends measures for the prevention or minimization of adverse impacts. The material is based on the experience of IUCN's Environmental Assessment Service.

Study explores the range of technologies required for exploration and development of offshore energy resources and assesses associated economic factors and financial risk. It also evaluates the environmental factors related to energy activities in frontier regions and considers important government regulatory and service programs.