SOCO is a responsible company and is extremely sensitive to the environmental significance of the Virunga National Park. This is reflected in the step-wise process that is uniquely characteristic of the Block V project whereby the approval of the DRC authorities is required for each phase and an emphasis is placed on early environmental studies and social. Carrying out environmental baseline studies at such an early stage, and before any exploration operations commence, reflects the responsible and sensitive approach that SOCO has adopted. It is important to note that no drilling has been planned, or is even warranted, at this stage...SOCO has a limited work programme which is to carry out geophysical and environmental studies on and around Lake Edward...and to provide specific social programmes to help improve the daily lives of the communities around Lake Edward. A seismic study is planned to take place on Lake Edward, but a start date has not yet been set. The seismic study will utilise a compressed air technique to minimise the impact on the flora and fauna...SOCO has also made itself accountable to an Environmental Monitoring Committee tasked with monitoring SOCO’s performance whilst inside the Virunga National Park...SOCO recently launched social projects for the communities around Lake Edward...[including] a mobile hospital...the installation of a communications mast at Nyakakoma.