Canadian energy major EnCana is helping to support education in Texas with a $486,000 (£341,400) donation to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF).

In a statement at a recent TPWF meeting, EnCana vice-president Paul Sander said that the company would fund a new grant programme to help students in the area get involved with conservation and environmental protection projects.

"We're proud and pleased to be able to support these important education, conservation and training efforts, as they're right in line with our company philosophy," he said.

The company seeks to mitigate the effect that the North American oil and gas industry has on the environment by funding conservation projects such as those run by the TPWF and will donate funds to help train new wildlife wardens at training facilities in the state.

EnCana has also pledged a longstanding commitment to promoting aboriginal employment opportunities throughout Canada and has made sizeable donations over the years to widen access to the oil and gas industry through programmes such as the Aboriginal Lynx Enrollment and Career programme and the Metis Nation British Columbia's Drilling Rig Lease Hand scheme.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development