An independent scientific panel on oil and gas exploration in Mauritania has officially begun its activities, an official source told panapress Tuesday. The panel launched its activities with a day-long meeting and the constitution of a platform for dialogue with representatives of the central government, the local governments as well as oil firms and NGOs, according to a press statement. The platform is expected to set up a diagnosis centre for oil exploration (assessment and recording of the rules), the review of current laws, build capacities in the technical and negotiation areas,” the panel chairman, Dr Geert Van Vliet said. The launch ceremony was jointly organised by the ministry (under the prime minister’s office) in charge of Environment and the World Conservation Union (UICN).
