The oil and gas law, West said, is intended to ensure extraction of the maximum amount of oil and gas from a large area, protect the mineral rights of multiple landowners, and prevent waste of the resource.

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He told MEPs that it would balance the desire of member states to protect their consumers from gas shortages with the need for EU countries to show solidarity with struggling neighbours.

BBC: MEPs pass law to protect European gas supplies

Though there are many challenges ahead, the presentations and discussions indicated that it just might be possible to produce gas, protect biodiversity and improve the livelihoods of the local people in northern Mozambique.

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The government has argued that such a ban is needed to "protect communities, coasts, and wildlife" while oil and gas companies implement safety measures to reduce the risks of blowouts and oil spills associated with deepwater drilling.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS