When Chevron geologists stepped onto Barrow Island in 1963, a keen young naturalist named Harry Butler was with them.
Today, that young naturalist is recognised Australia-wide as the esteemed Dr Harry Butler.
He has maintained his links with the island ever since that first day in 1963, working closely with us to successfully operate on the island without threatening the ecosystems, species and environmental qualities that make the island unique.
Harry is a regular visitor to the island he loves so much and featured it in several of his popular 1970s In The Wild television documentaries on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The Lasting Legacy of Dr Harry Butler
He continues his long connection with the island and our company as an environmental consultant.
In this role, he is providing valuable input as we prepare to develop the Gorgon Project.
We credit much of our worldwide reputation for environmental management on the island to Dr Harry Butler’s involvement in developing an environmental management model.
Acknowledging Our Environmental Heroes
Globally, each year Chevron recognises its environmental heroes.
The Chevron Conservation Awards were founded in 1954 by the late outdoors humorist and author Ed Zern and were designed to recognise those finding creative solutions to environmental challenges by bringing business and conservationists together.
In 2004, the award acknowledged the influence of Harry Butler's In the Wild television series had in making many Australians aware for the first time of the country's wildlife heritage and the need for conservation.
He also was credited for helping to maintain the ecological integrity of significant areas throughout Australia; including his work with the oil and gas industry in Western Australia.
Dr Butler's environmental management model has been widely adopted by government and industry in Australia and internationally. His efforts have directly helped to protect thousands of plant and animal species both here in Australia and overseas.