REPORT SPEED/SUSTAINABILITY
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 carried out a total of 1,525 dialogue, consultation and stakeholder engagement activities in which 24,662 people participated
We responded to 100% of grievances presented by the Carubare indigenous community in Puerto Gaitán, Meta
We fulfilled 100% of the commitments established in the methodology of the consultative processes with the Turpial La Victoria Reservation in Puerto Gaitán
We implemented the ‘GeoPark Footprint’ projects, complying with Prior Consultation commitments for the Llanos 86 and 104 3D seismic project
We designed investment projects in community social infrastructure and in productive projects with the Turpial La Victoria and Wacoyo Reservations in Puerto Gaitán
We made an ethnic relations protocol and trustbased pacts. Implementation began in the Wacoyo Reservation of the Sikuani ethnic group in the Llanos 104 block in Puerto Gaitán and in the La Raya and Monterrey Indigenous Councils of the Awa ethnic group in the Coati block in Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo
In partnership with Del Rosario University, we made a recommendations guide for the implementation of the regional agreement on access to information, public participation and justice in environmental matters in Latin America and the Caribbean
We held the Environmental Public Hearing of the PUT-8 Bienparado Development Area project in Puerto Asís, Putumayo. Its success allowed us to strengthen the project’s information and communication strategies with all stakeholders, promoting dialogue, social participation and access to environmental information
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:
Colombia
We have relationship plans in the Llanos 86, Llanos 104 and Coati blocks, and we have signed agreements of trust with the Wacoyo Reservation in Puerto Gaitán, Meta.
Colombia’s National Authority for Prior Consultation is responsible for identifying indigenous communities exposed to future projects and the development of operations, and for indicating which communities could be affected.
The main connection with indigenous communities is the Prior Consultation process, which is not the same as free, prior and informed consent, does include the informed participation of ethnic groups, and is regulated and supervised by Colombian authorities.
In Colombia, the Prior Consultation process begins with requesting a determination of provenance and opportunity for prior consultation for the execution of projects, works or activities, filed with the Interior Ministry’s National Authority for Prior Consultation. From that moment on, this authority must give its opinion on the existence of ethnic communities and the appropriateness of prior consultations in communities to protect inhabitants rights.
(GRI 413-1; DJSI 3.6.1) In 2023 we worked on six prior consultation processes, five of which were for the 2D and 3D Seismic Project in the Coati block in Putumayo. The project is in the initial stage (definition of the area of influence), and the appropriate steps were taken with relevant authorities. We also carried out prior consultation up to the ‘Protocolization’ stage with the Turpial La Victoria Reservation in Meta department for the Golondrina Development Area project. This consultative process is now in the follow-up phase.
Ecuador
Although we have a reference framework for prior consultation, in Ecuador this process is carried out by the respective Ministry prior to awarding contracts to operators or service providers.
However, relationship activities with a differential approach are carried out, including coordination meetings, information gathering, participatory workshops, training and organizational strengthening.
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)
We carried out social investment projects in three departments, eight municipalities and more than 65 villages, as detailed below:
Well-being and Quality of Life:
Education, Culture and Sport:
Economic and Productive Development:
Institutional strengthening:
The social investment projects that we have developed in Ecuador are located in: Sucumbios: Shushufindi, Lago Agrio, San Roque and the El Oro, Rio Doch 1, Tahuantinsuyo, La Pantera, Miss Ecuador and Orahueaya communities. Also in the Organization of the Indigenous Siona Nationality of Ecuador (ONISE).
Well-being and quality:
Strengthening Communities:
