Our neighbor relations are characterized by open and transparent dialogue on issues of mutual interest. We know that in order to enhance our social license we must build good relations by paying attention to communities doubts, concerns and expectations, especially those related to improving their quality of life, and based on preserving life and protecting the environment.
To achieve community acceptance and social license, we need to identify, evaluate and early manage the impacts that result from our operations. This is vital in achieving legal compliance and maintaining the high standards required for the viability of hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.
We carry out a thorough analysis before the start of each project to define a work plan ensuring viability based on the definition of prevention measures, allowing us to ensure legal compliance and the implementation of best practice. Right at the start we carry out field trips together with communities and their representative institutions, to characterize communities and identify the area of influence.
We have a tool to analyze social environment risks that we use to identify and quantitatively weigh situations based on their potential impact both for nature and neighbors, as well as for the development of our activities.
This exercise allows us to:
We base our operational viability on early management of the actual or potential impacts of our activities on nature and neighbors. Based on an exercise in which different areas of the Company participate, we define the risks associated with the execution of operational projects and plans for their early management.
The focus of these plans is based on informed dialogues with stakeholders, from which we generate formal and informal communication channels to share messages and information in both directions.
Early management of social impacts related to community rights and interests is implemented in 100% of our operations through processes focused on due diligence, respect for Human Rights, and obtaining or maintaining social license.
As we firmly believe that permanent, open and transparent dialogue allows us to identify opportunities for convergence and generation of shared long-term value, we promote the participation of our stakeholders in all matters that directly involve them.
Our Cuéntame grievance mechanism is the main information and effective participation channel for residents in the areas of influence of our operations. Through Cuéntame we receive stakeholder grievances in the field, and the system guides our Commitment to Human Rights.
We consider all grievances, ensuring their prompt registration and the definition of action and response plans. We do this based on the classification and prioritization of Human Rights criteria to facilitate access to effective means of remediation where appropriate.
We are obliged to report alleged Human Rights violations and socio-environmental impacts in our areas of operation to relevant authorities, depending on the type of information and the analysis of specific cases. All grievances received conclude with a response to the grievant.
(GRI 11.15.4) Formal grievances received and resolved
We diligently avoid disruptions to ethnic groups’ way of life, livelihoods and environment. We do so respectfully with the certainty of knowing that they are the traditional custodians of the earth. For this reason, we request the participation of ethnic groups when we address aspects that directly involve them.
To materialize our differential approach to ethnic communities, we implement actions that include:
We contribute to the sustainable development of the communities that neighbor GeoPark’s operations through investment projects that strengthen capacities, generate social and productive inclusion, and promote the care and conservation of the environment.
In this way we generate shared prosperity and strengthen trust-based relationships with the communities neighboring our projects, through our firm conviction that being partners in overcoming social and environmental challenges allows us to contribute to meaningful transformation and sustainable environments for everyone. We have connected the needs and realities of communities with our business.
Beneficiaries and amount of social investment
(SOC 13)
